Cuprite and Alunite Physical Properties

Cuprite

Alunite

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1 Physical Properties

1.1 Tenacity

Brittle

1.2 Solubility

Not Available

Soluble

1.3 Durability

Not Available

1.4 Specific Gravity

5.85-6.152.6-2.9

1 7.18

1.5 Fracture

Conchoidal, Metallic, UnevenArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), Brittle, Conchoidal

Conchoidal, Uneven

1.6 Cleavage

Fair in four directions forming octahedrons

On {0001}, perfect

1.7 Mohs Hardness

3.5-43.5-4

2 10

1.8 Chemical Composition

Cu 2OMichael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references

KAl3(SO4)2(OH)6

Cuprite and Alunite Chemical Formula

While comparing Cuprite and Alunite 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 Cuprite and Alunite chemical formula.

Chemical formula of Cuprite- Cu 2OMichael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
Chemical formula of Alunite- KAl3(SO4)2(OH)6

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Cuprite and Alunite Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Cuprite and Alunite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Cuprite and Alunite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Cuprite is 2.6-2.9 whereas that of Alunite is 2.6-2.9.