Elbaite and Alunite Physical Properties

Elbaite

Alunite

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1 Physical Properties

1.1 Tenacity

Not Available

Brittle

1.2 Solubility

Not Available

Soluble

1.3 Durability

Not Available

1.4 Specific Gravity

2.90-3.102.6-2.9

1 7.18

1.5 Fracture

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

Conchoidal, Uneven

1.6 Cleavage

Poor/indistinct on {1120} and {1011}

On {0001}, perfect

1.7 Mohs Hardness

73.5-4

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

KAl3(SO4)2(OH)6

Elbaite and Alunite Chemical Formula

While comparing Elbaite and Alunite 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 Alunite 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 Alunite- KAl3(SO4)2(OH)6

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Elbaite and Alunite Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Elbaite and Alunite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Elbaite and Alunite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Elbaite is 2.6-2.9 whereas that of Alunite is 2.6-2.9.