Cinnabar and Marcasite Physical Properties

Cinnabar

Marcasite

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1 Physical Properties

1.1 Tenacity

Slightly sectile

Not Available

1.2 Solubility

1.04 x 10⁻²⁵ g per 100 ml water (Ksp at 25°C = 2 x 10⁻³²)

Not Available

1.3 Durability

Not Available

1.4 Specific Gravity

24.80-4.90

1 7.18

1.5 Fracture

Uneven, Uneven, Gemstones (2009), Brittle

UnevenArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), UnevenArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), Uneven

1.6 Cleavage

Prismatic {10 1 0}, perfect

{010} Indistinct

1.7 Mohs Hardness

2-2.56-6.5

2 10

1.8 Chemical Composition

HgSMichael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references

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

Cinnabar and Marcasite Chemical Formula

While comparing Cinnabar and Marcasite 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 Marcasite chemical formula.

Chemical formula of Cinnabar- HgSMichael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
Chemical formula of Marcasite- FeS 2Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references

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Cinnabar and Marcasite Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Cinnabar and Marcasite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Cinnabar and Marcasite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Cinnabar is 4.80-4.90 whereas that of Marcasite is 4.80-4.90.