Elbaite and Benitoite Physical Properties

Elbaite

Benitoite

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1 Physical Properties

1.1 Tenacity

Not Available

1.2 Solubility

Not Available

Insoluble: HCl

1.3 Durability

Not Available

1.4 Specific Gravity

2.90-3.103.61-3.68

1 7.18

1.5 Fracture

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

Conchoidal, ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), Conchoidal, Brittle

1.6 Cleavage

Poor/indistinct on {1120} and {1011}

[10 1 1] poor

1.7 Mohs Hardness

76-6.5

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

BaTiSi 3O 9Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references

Elbaite and Benitoite Chemical Formula

While comparing Elbaite and Benitoite 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 Benitoite 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 Benitoite- BaTiSi 3O 9Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references

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Elbaite and Benitoite Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Elbaite and Benitoite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Elbaite and Benitoite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Elbaite is 3.61-3.68 whereas that of Benitoite is 3.61-3.68.