Elbaite and Petalite Physical Properties

Elbaite

Petalite

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1 Physical Properties

1.1 Tenacity

Not Available

Brittle

1.2 Solubility

Not Available

insoluble

1.3 Durability

Not Available

1.4 Specific Gravity

2.90-3.102.40

1 7.18

1.5 Fracture

Uneven, Conchoidal, Brittle, Uneven, ConchoidalAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001), Conchoidal, Brittle

Subconchoidal, ConchoidalWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references, Brittle, Conchoidal

1.6 Cleavage

Poor/indistinct on {1120} and {1011}

Perfect on {001}, poor on {201} with 38.5° angle between the two

1.7 Mohs Hardness

76-6.5

2 10

1.8 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

LiAlSi 4O 10Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references

Elbaite and Petalite Chemical Formula

While comparing Elbaite and Petalite 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 Petalite 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 Petalite- LiAlSi 4O 10Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references

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Elbaite and Petalite Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Elbaite and Petalite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Elbaite and Petalite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Elbaite is 2.40 whereas that of Petalite is 2.40.