Elbaite and Augite Physical Properties
Specific Gravity
2.90-3.10
3.19-3.56
Fracture
Uneven, Conchoidal
Uneven, Conchoidal
Cleavage
Poor/indistinct on {1120} and {1011}
{110} Perfect, {010} Indistinct
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
(Ca,Na)(Mg,Fe,Al,Ti)(Si,Al) 2O 6Anthony et al , Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
Elbaite and Augite Chemical Formula
While comparing Elbaite and Augite 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 Augite 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 Augite- (Ca,Na)(Mg,Fe,Al,Ti)(Si,Al) 2O 6Anthony et al , Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
Elbaite and Augite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Elbaite and Augite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Elbaite and Augite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Elbaite is 3.19-3.56 whereas that of Augite is 3.19-3.56.