Cassiterite and Taaffeite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Brittle
Not Available
Solubility
insoluble
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
6.86-7.03
3.60-3.61
Fracture
Subconchoidal, Uneven, ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), Irregular
Conchoidal
Cleavage
{100} imperfect, {110} indistinct; partings on {111} or {011}
Imperfect/fair/absent
Chemical Composition
SnO 2Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
Mg 3Al 8BeO 16Walter Schumann , Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references
Cassiterite and Taaffeite Chemical Formula
While comparing Cassiterite and Taaffeite 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 Taaffeite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Cassiterite- SnO 2Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
- Chemical formula of Taaffeite- Mg 3Al 8BeO 16Walter Schumann , Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references
Cassiterite and Taaffeite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Cassiterite and Taaffeite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Cassiterite and Taaffeite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Cassiterite is 3.60-3.61 whereas that of Taaffeite is 3.60-3.61.