Cuprite and Esperite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Brittle
Not Available
Solubility
Not Available
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
5.85-6.15
4.28-4.42
Fracture
Conchoidal, Metallic, UnevenArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), Brittle, Conchoidal
Conchoidal, ConchoidalAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001), Brittle, Metallic
Cleavage
Fair in four directions forming octahedrons
Distinct on [010] and [100] poor on [101]
Mohs Hardness
3.5-4
5-5.5
Chemical Composition
Cu 2OMichael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
PbCa 3Zn 4(SiO 4) 4Anthony et al , Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
Cuprite and Esperite Chemical Formula
While comparing Cuprite and Esperite 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 Esperite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Cuprite- Cu 2OMichael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
- Chemical formula of Esperite- PbCa 3Zn 4(SiO 4) 4Anthony et al , Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
Cuprite and Esperite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Cuprite and Esperite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Cuprite and Esperite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Cuprite is 4.28-4.42 whereas that of Esperite is 4.28-4.42.