Elbaite and Atacamite Physical Properties

Elbaite

Atacamite

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1 Physical Properties

1.1 Tenacity

Not Available

Brittle

1.2 Solubility

Not Available

1.3 Durability

Not Available

1.4 Specific Gravity

2.90-3.103.745-3.776

1 7.18

1.5 Fracture

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

Conchoidal, Conchoidal, Brittle

1.6 Cleavage

Poor/indistinct on {1120} and {1011}

Perfect on {010}, fair on {101}

1.7 Mohs Hardness

73-3.5

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

Cu2Cl(OH)3

Elbaite and Atacamite Chemical Formula

While comparing Elbaite and Atacamite 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 Atacamite 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 Atacamite- Cu2Cl(OH)3

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Elbaite and Atacamite Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Elbaite and Atacamite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Elbaite and Atacamite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Elbaite is 3.745-3.776 whereas that of Atacamite is 3.745-3.776.