Elbaite and Microlite Physical Properties
Specific Gravity
2.90-3.10
5.5
Fracture
Uneven, Conchoidal
Conchoidal
Cleavage
Poor/indistinct on {1120} and {1011}
{111} Indistinct, {111} Indistinct, {111} Indistinct
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,Na) 2Ta 2O 6(O,OH,F)Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
Elbaite and Microlite Chemical Formula
While comparing Elbaite and Microlite 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 Microlite 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 Microlite- (Ca,Na) 2Ta 2O 6(O,OH,F)Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
Elbaite and Microlite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Elbaite and Microlite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Elbaite and Microlite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Elbaite is 5.5 whereas that of Microlite is 5.5.