Corundum and Forsterite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Brittle
Not Available
Solubility
insoluble
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
3.90-4.05
3.23-3.26
Fracture
Uneven, Uneven, Gems, Difficult, Fibrous
Conchoidal, ConchoidalAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001), Conchoidal, Brittle
Cleavage
None – parting in 3 directions
Perfect on {010} imperfect on {100}
Chemical Composition
Al 2O 3Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
Mg 2SiO 4Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
Corundum and Forsterite Chemical Formula
While comparing Corundum and Forsterite 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 Corundum and Forsterite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Corundum- Al 2O 3Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
- Chemical formula of Forsterite- Mg 2SiO 4Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
Corundum and Forsterite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Corundum and Forsterite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Corundum and Forsterite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Corundum is 3.23-3.26 whereas that of Forsterite is 3.23-3.26.