Elbaite and Cuprite Physical Properties
Specific Gravity
2.90-3.10
5.85-6.15
Fracture
Uneven, Conchoidal
Conchoidal
Cleavage
Poor/indistinct on {1120} and {1011}
Fair in four directions forming octahedrons
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
Cu 2OMichael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
Elbaite and Cuprite Chemical Formula
While comparing Elbaite and Cuprite 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 Cuprite 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 Cuprite- Cu 2OMichael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
Elbaite and Cuprite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Elbaite and Cuprite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Elbaite and Cuprite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Elbaite is 5.85-6.15 whereas that of Cuprite is 5.85-6.15.