Elbaite and Alexandrite Physical Properties

Elbaite

Alexandrite

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1 Physical Properties

1.1 Tenacity

Not Available

1.2 Solubility

Not Available

1.3 Durability

Not Available

1.4 Specific Gravity

2.90-3.103.69-3.81

1 7.18

1.5 Fracture

Uneven, Conchoidal, Brittle, Uneven, ConchoidalAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001), Conchoidal, Brittle

Not Available

1.6 Cleavage

Poor/indistinct on {1120} and {1011}

1,1 ; 3,2.

1.7 Mohs Hardness

78.5

2 10

1.8 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

BeAl ₂ O ₄

Elbaite and Alexandrite Chemical Formula

While comparing Elbaite and Alexandrite 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 Alexandrite 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 Alexandrite- BeAl ₂ O ₄

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Elbaite and Alexandrite Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Elbaite and Alexandrite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Elbaite and Alexandrite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Elbaite is 3.69-3.81 whereas that of Alexandrite is 3.69-3.81.