Cinnabar and Spinel Physical Properties

Cinnabar

Spinel

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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)

none

1.3 Durability

Not Available

1.4 Specific Gravity

23.64-3.66

1 7.18

1.5 Fracture

Uneven, Uneven, Gemstones (2009), Brittle

Conchoidal, Uneven, ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009)

1.6 Cleavage

Prismatic {10 1 0}, perfect

None, but may exhibit slight parting

1.7 Mohs Hardness

2-2.58

2 10

1.8 Chemical Composition

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

MgAl₂O₄

Cinnabar and Spinel Chemical Formula

While comparing Cinnabar and Spinel 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 Spinel chemical formula.

Chemical formula of Cinnabar- HgSMichael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
Chemical formula of Spinel- MgAl₂O₄

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Cinnabar and Spinel Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Cinnabar and Spinel Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Cinnabar and Spinel Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Cinnabar is 3.64-3.66 whereas that of Spinel is 3.64-3.66.