Elbaite and Albite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Not Available
Brittle
Solubility
Not Available
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.90-3.10
2.60-2.65
Fracture
Uneven, Conchoidal, Brittle, Uneven, ConchoidalAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001), Conchoidal, Brittle
Uneven, Uneven, Gems, Sixth Edition (2006), Uneven, Conchoidal
Cleavage
Poor/indistinct on {1120} and {1011}
Perfect on {001}, very good on {010}, imperfect on {110}
Chemical Composition
Na(Li 1.5Al 1.5)Al 6(Si 6O 18)(BO 3) 3(OH) 3(OH)Gemdat.org , Management Team (2012) More from other references
NaAlSi 3O 8Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
Elbaite and Albite Chemical Formula
While comparing Elbaite and Albite 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 Elbaite and Albite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Elbaite- Na(Li 1.5Al 1.5)Al 6(Si 6O 18)(BO 3) 3(OH) 3(OH)Gemdat.org , Management Team (2012) More from other references
- Chemical formula of Albite- NaAlSi 3O 8Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
Elbaite and Albite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Elbaite and Albite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Elbaite and Albite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Elbaite is 2.60-2.65 whereas that of Albite is 2.60-2.65.