Diopside and Forsterite Physical Properties

Diopside

Forsterite

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Physical Properties

Tenacity

Solubility

Durability

Specific Gravity

Fracture

Cleavage

Mohs Hardness

Chemical Composition

Brittle

3.22-3.40

Conchoidal

Distinct/good on {110}

5-6

CaMgSi₂O₆

3.23-3.26

Conchoidal

Perfect on {010} imperfect on {100}

6.5-7

Mg 2SiO 4Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)

Diopside and Forsterite Chemical Formula

While comparing Diopside and Forsterite 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 Diopside and Forsterite chemical formula.

Chemical formula of Diopside- CaMgSi₂O₆
Chemical formula of Forsterite- Mg 2SiO 4Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)

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Diopside and Forsterite Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Diopside and Forsterite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Diopside and Forsterite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Diopside is 3.23-3.26 whereas that of Forsterite is 3.23-3.26.