Elbaite and Taaffeite Physical Properties

Elbaite

Taaffeite

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1 Physical Properties

1.1 Tenacity

Not Available

1.2 Solubility

Not Available

1.3 Durability

Not Available

1.4 Specific Gravity

2.90-3.103.60-3.61

1 7.18

1.5 Fracture

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

Conchoidal

1.6 Cleavage

Poor/indistinct on {1120} and {1011}

Imperfect/fair/absent

1.7 Mohs Hardness

78-8.5

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

Mg 3Al 8BeO 16Walter Schumann , Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references

Elbaite and Taaffeite Chemical Formula

While comparing Elbaite and Taaffeite 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 Taaffeite 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 Taaffeite- Mg 3Al 8BeO 16Walter Schumann , Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references

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Elbaite and Taaffeite Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Elbaite and Taaffeite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Elbaite and Taaffeite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Elbaite is 3.60-3.61 whereas that of Taaffeite is 3.60-3.61.