Cassiterite and Esperite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Brittle
Not Available
Solubility
insoluble
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
6.86-7.03
4.28-4.42
Fracture
Subconchoidal, Uneven, ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), Irregular
Conchoidal, ConchoidalAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001), Brittle, Metallic
Cleavage
{100} imperfect, {110} indistinct; partings on {111} or {011}
Distinct on [010] and [100] poor on [101]
Chemical Composition
SnO 2Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
PbCa 3Zn 4(SiO 4) 4Anthony et al , Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
Cassiterite and Esperite Chemical Formula
While comparing Cassiterite and Esperite physical properties, the important data you should know is its chemical composition. Since chemical formula defines the molecular structure of the crystal, most of the physical properties like color, tenacity, solubility are governed by Cassiterite and Esperite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Cassiterite- SnO 2Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
- Chemical formula of Esperite- PbCa 3Zn 4(SiO 4) 4Anthony et al , Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
Cassiterite and Esperite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Cassiterite and Esperite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Cassiterite and Esperite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Cassiterite is 4.28-4.42 whereas that of Esperite is 4.28-4.42.