Elbaite and Spodumene Physical Properties

Elbaite

Spodumene

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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

2.90-3.103.15-3.21

1 7.18

1.5 Fracture

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

Uneven, Subconchoidal, Gemstones (2009)

1.6 Cleavage

Poor/indistinct on {1120} and {1011}

Perfect prismatic, two directions {110} ∧ {1 1 0} at 87°

1.7 Mohs Hardness

76-7

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

LiAlSi₂O₆

Elbaite and Spodumene Chemical Formula

While comparing Elbaite and Spodumene 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 Spodumene 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 Spodumene- LiAlSi₂O₆

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Elbaite and Spodumene Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Elbaite and Spodumene Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Elbaite and Spodumene Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Elbaite is 3.15-3.21 whereas that of Spodumene is 3.15-3.21.