Cuprite and Cinnabar Physical Properties
Tenacity
Brittle
Slightly sectile
Solubility
Not Available
1.04 x 10−25 g per 100 ml water (Ksp at 25°C = 2 x 10−32)
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
5.85-6.15
2
Fracture
Conchoidal, Metallic, UnevenArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), Brittle, Conchoidal
Uneven, Uneven, Gemstones (2009), Brittle
Cleavage
Fair in four directions forming octahedrons
Prismatic {10 1 0}, perfect
Mohs Hardness
3.5-4
2-2.5
Chemical Composition
Cu 2OMichael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
HgSMichael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
Cuprite and Cinnabar Chemical Formula
While comparing Cuprite and Cinnabar 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 Cinnabar chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Cuprite- Cu 2OMichael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
- Chemical formula of Cinnabar- HgSMichael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
Cuprite and Cinnabar Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Cuprite and Cinnabar Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Cuprite and Cinnabar Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Cuprite is 2 whereas that of Cinnabar is 2.