Elbaite and Austinite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Not Available
Brittle
Solubility
Not Available
Easily soluble in cold dilute HCl
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.90-3.10
4.12
Fracture
Uneven, Conchoidal, Brittle, Uneven, ConchoidalAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001), Conchoidal, Brittle
Brittle, Uneven, Brittle, Uneven
Cleavage
Poor/indistinct on {1120} and {1011}
Good in two directions parallel to the prism faces {110}
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
CaZn(AsO4)(OH)
Elbaite and Austinite Chemical Formula
While comparing Elbaite and Austinite 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 Austinite 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 Austinite- CaZn(AsO4)(OH)
Elbaite and Austinite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Elbaite and Austinite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Elbaite and Austinite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Elbaite is 4.12 whereas that of Austinite is 4.12.