Elbaite and Alexandrite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Not Available
Not Available
Solubility
Not Available
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.90-3.10
3.69-3.81
Fracture
Uneven, Conchoidal, Brittle, Uneven, ConchoidalAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001), Conchoidal, Brittle
Not Available
Cleavage
Poor/indistinct on {1120} and {1011}
1,1 ; 3,2.
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
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.