Cassiterite and Smithsonite Physical Properties

Cassiterite

Smithsonite

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Physical Properties

Tenacity

Brittle

Solubility

insoluble

Durability

Specific Gravity

6.86-7.034.00-4.65

1 7.18

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Fracture

Subconchoidal, Uneven, Conchoidal, Irregular

Uneven, Sub-Conchoidal

Cleavage

{100} imperfect, {110} indistinct; partings on {111} or {011}

Perfect on [1011]

Mohs Hardness

6-75-5.5

2 10

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Chemical Composition

SnO 2Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references

ZnCO 3Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references

Cassiterite and Smithsonite Chemical Formula

While comparing Cassiterite and Smithsonite 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 Smithsonite chemical formula.

Chemical formula of Cassiterite- SnO 2Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
Chemical formula of Smithsonite- ZnCO 3Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references

Compare Red Gemstones

Cassiterite Vs Chrome-Chalcedony

Cassiterite Vs Cinnabar

Cassiterite Vs Crocoite

Cassiterite and Smithsonite Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Cassiterite and Smithsonite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Cassiterite and Smithsonite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Cassiterite is 4.00-4.65 whereas that of Smithsonite is 4.00-4.65.