Fayalite and Austinite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Not Available
Brittle
Solubility
Not Available
Easily soluble in cold dilute HCl
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
4.392
4.12
Fracture
Conchoidal, ConchoidalAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001), Conchoidal, Brittle
Brittle, Uneven, Brittle, Uneven
Cleavage
{010} moderate, {100} imperfect
Good in two directions parallel to the prism faces {110}
Mohs Hardness
6.5-7
4-4.5
Chemical Composition
Fe 2SiO 4Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
CaZn(AsO4)(OH)
Fayalite and Austinite Chemical Formula
While comparing Fayalite and Austinite 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 Fayalite and Austinite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Fayalite- Fe 2SiO 4Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
- Chemical formula of Austinite- CaZn(AsO4)(OH)
Fayalite and Austinite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Fayalite and Austinite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Fayalite and Austinite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Fayalite is 4.12 whereas that of Austinite is 4.12.