Cuprite and Marcasite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Brittle
Not Available
Solubility
Not Available
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
5.85-6.15
4.80-4.90
Fracture
Conchoidal, Metallic, UnevenArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), Brittle, Conchoidal
UnevenArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), UnevenArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), Uneven
Cleavage
Fair in four directions forming octahedrons
{010} Indistinct
Mohs Hardness
3.5-4
6-6.5
Chemical Composition
Cu 2OMichael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
FeS 2Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
Cuprite and Marcasite Chemical Formula
While comparing Cuprite and Marcasite 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 Marcasite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Cuprite- Cu 2OMichael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
- Chemical formula of Marcasite- FeS 2Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
Cuprite and Marcasite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Cuprite and Marcasite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Cuprite and Marcasite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Cuprite is 4.80-4.90 whereas that of Marcasite is 4.80-4.90.