Elbaite and Moonstone Physical Properties
Specific Gravity
2.90-3.10
2.56-2.60
Fracture
Uneven, Conchoidal
Uneven, ConchoidalWalter Schumann
Cleavage
Poor/indistinct on {1120} and {1011}
2,1 basal ; 2,1 prismatic ; 3,1 pinacoidal
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
Plagioclase Feldspar s: (Na,Ca)Al1-2Si3-2O8 Orthoclase Feldspar : KAlSi3O8
Elbaite and Moonstone Chemical Formula
While comparing Elbaite and Moonstone 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 Moonstone 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 Moonstone- Plagioclase Feldspar s: (Na,Ca)Al1-2Si3-2O8 Orthoclase Feldspar : KAlSi3O8
Elbaite and Moonstone Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Elbaite and Moonstone Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Elbaite and Moonstone Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Elbaite is 2.56-2.60 whereas that of Moonstone is 2.56-2.60.