Cuprite and Alunite Physical Properties
Solubility
Not Available
Soluble
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
5.85-6.15
2.6-2.9
Fracture
Conchoidal, Metallic, UnevenArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), Brittle, Conchoidal
Conchoidal, Uneven
Cleavage
Fair in four directions forming octahedrons
On {0001}, perfect
Mohs Hardness
3.5-4
3.5-4
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
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.