Elbaite and Sodalite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Not Available
Brittle
Solubility
Not Available
Soluble
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.90-3.10
2.15-2.40
Fracture
Uneven, Conchoidal, Brittle, Uneven, ConchoidalAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001), Conchoidal, Brittle
Conchoidal, Uneven, UnevenArthur Thomas, Brittle
Cleavage
Poor/indistinct on {1120} and {1011}
Poor on {110}
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
Na8Al6Si6O24Cl2
Elbaite and Sodalite Chemical Formula
While comparing Elbaite and Sodalite 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 Sodalite 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 Sodalite- Na8Al6Si6O24Cl2
Elbaite and Sodalite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Elbaite and Sodalite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Elbaite and Sodalite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Elbaite is 2.15-2.40 whereas that of Sodalite is 2.15-2.40.