Diaspore and Austinite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Very brittle
Brittle
Solubility
insoluble
Easily soluble in cold dilute HCl
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
3.30-3.40
4.12
Fracture
Conchoidal, Brittle, Conchoidal
Brittle, Uneven, Brittle, Uneven
Cleavage
{010} perfect, {110} distinct, {100} in traces
Good in two directions parallel to the prism faces {110}
Mohs Hardness
6.5-7
4-4.5
Chemical Composition
AlO(OH)Walter Schumann , Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references
CaZn(AsO4)(OH)
Diaspore and Austinite Chemical Formula
While comparing Diaspore and Austinite 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 Diaspore and Austinite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Diaspore- AlO(OH)Walter Schumann , Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references
- Chemical formula of Austinite- CaZn(AsO4)(OH)
Diaspore and Austinite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Diaspore and Austinite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Diaspore and Austinite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Diaspore is 4.12 whereas that of Austinite is 4.12.