Elbaite and Benitoite Physical Properties
Solubility
-
Insoluble: HCl
Specific Gravity
2.90-3.10
3.61-3.68
Fracture
Uneven, Conchoidal
Conchoidal
Cleavage
Poor/indistinct on {1120} and {1011}
[10 1 1] poor
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
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.