Ettringite and Atacamite Physical Properties

Ettringite

Atacamite

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1 Physical Properties

1.1 Tenacity

Not Available

Brittle

1.2 Solubility

Partially soluble in water

Not Available

1.3 Durability

Not Available

1.4 Specific Gravity

1.773.745-3.776

1 7.18

1.5 Fracture

Not Available

Conchoidal, Conchoidal, Brittle

1.6 Cleavage

Perfect on {10 1 0}

Perfect on {010}, fair on {101}

1.7 Mohs Hardness

2-2.53-3.5

2 10

1.8 Chemical Composition

Ca 6Al 2(SO 4) 3(OH) 12 26H 2OMichael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)

Cu2Cl(OH)3

Ettringite and Atacamite Chemical Formula

While comparing Ettringite and Atacamite 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 Atacamite chemical formula.

Chemical formula of Ettringite- Ca 6Al 2(SO 4) 3(OH) 12 26H 2OMichael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
Chemical formula of Atacamite- Cu2Cl(OH)3

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Ettringite and Atacamite Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Ettringite and Atacamite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Ettringite and Atacamite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Ettringite is 3.745-3.776 whereas that of Atacamite is 3.745-3.776.