Elbaite and Atacamite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Not Available
Brittle
Solubility
Not Available
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.90-3.10
3.745-3.776
Fracture
Uneven, Conchoidal, Brittle, Uneven, ConchoidalAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001), Conchoidal, Brittle
Conchoidal, Conchoidal, Brittle
Cleavage
Poor/indistinct on {1120} and {1011}
Perfect on {010}, fair on {101}
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
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.