Elbaite and Covellite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Not Available
Flexible
Solubility
Not Available
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.90-3.10
4.6-4.76
Fracture
Uneven, Conchoidal, Brittle, Uneven, ConchoidalAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001), Conchoidal, Brittle
Gemstones (2009), UnevenArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), Brittle, Metallic
Cleavage
Poor/indistinct on {1120} and {1011}
Perfect on {0001}
Mohs Hardness
7
Not Available
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
CuSMichael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth edition (2006) More from other references
Elbaite and Covellite Chemical Formula
While comparing Elbaite and Covellite 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 Covellite 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 Covellite- CuSMichael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth edition (2006) More from other references
Elbaite and Covellite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Elbaite and Covellite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Elbaite and Covellite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Elbaite is 4.6-4.76 whereas that of Covellite is 4.6-4.76.