Cinnabar and Cuprite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Slightly sectile
Brittle
Solubility
1.04 x 10−25 g per 100 ml water (Ksp at 25°C = 2 x 10−32)
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2
5.85-6.15
Fracture
Uneven, Uneven, Gemstones (2009), Brittle
Conchoidal, Metallic, UnevenArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), Brittle, Conchoidal
Cleavage
Prismatic {10 1 0}, perfect
Fair in four directions forming octahedrons
Mohs Hardness
2-2.5
3.5-4
Chemical Composition
HgSMichael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
Cu 2OMichael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
Cinnabar and Cuprite Chemical Formula
While comparing Cinnabar and Cuprite 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 Cinnabar and Cuprite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Cinnabar- HgSMichael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
- Chemical formula of Cuprite- Cu 2OMichael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
Cinnabar and Cuprite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Cinnabar and Cuprite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Cinnabar and Cuprite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Cinnabar is 5.85-6.15 whereas that of Cuprite is 5.85-6.15.