Elbaite and Melanite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Not Available
Not Available
Solubility
Not Available
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.90-3.10
3.70-4.10
Fracture
Uneven, Conchoidal, Brittle, Uneven, ConchoidalAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001), Conchoidal, Brittle
ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009)
Cleavage
Poor/indistinct on {1120} and {1011}
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
Ca 3Fe 2(SiO 4) 3Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
Elbaite and Melanite Chemical Formula
While comparing Elbaite and Melanite 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 Melanite 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 Melanite- Ca 3Fe 2(SiO 4) 3Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
Elbaite and Melanite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Elbaite and Melanite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Elbaite and Melanite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Elbaite is 3.70-4.10 whereas that of Melanite is 3.70-4.10.