Ettringite and Alunite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Not Available
  
Brittle
  
Solubility
Partially soluble in water
  
Soluble
  
Durability
Not Available
  
Not Available
  
Specific Gravity
1.77
  
2.6-2.9
  
Fracture
Not Available
  
Conchoidal, Uneven
  
Cleavage
Perfect on {10 1 0}
  
On {0001}, perfect
  
Mohs Hardness
2-2.5
  
3.5-4
  
Chemical Composition
Ca 6Al 2(SO 4) 3(OH) 12 26H 2OMichael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
  
KAl3(SO4)2(OH)6
  
Ettringite and Alunite Chemical Formula
While comparing Ettringite and Alunite 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 Ettringite and Alunite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Ettringite- Ca 6Al 2(SO 4) 3(OH) 12 26H 2OMichael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
- Chemical formula of Alunite- KAl3(SO4)2(OH)6
Ettringite and Alunite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Ettringite and Alunite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Ettringite and Alunite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Ettringite is 2.6-2.9 whereas that of Alunite is 2.6-2.9.