Forsterite and Corundum Physical Properties
Tenacity
Not Available
Brittle
Solubility
Not Available
insoluble
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
3.23-3.26
3.90-4.05
Fracture
Conchoidal, ConchoidalAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001), Conchoidal, Brittle
Uneven, Uneven, Gems, Difficult, Fibrous
Cleavage
Perfect on {010} imperfect on {100}
None – parting in 3 directions
Chemical Composition
Mg 2SiO 4Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
Al 2O 3Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
Forsterite and Corundum Chemical Formula
While comparing Forsterite and Corundum 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 Forsterite and Corundum chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Forsterite- Mg 2SiO 4Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
- Chemical formula of Corundum- Al 2O 3Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
Forsterite and Corundum Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Forsterite and Corundum Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Forsterite and Corundum Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Forsterite is 3.90-4.05 whereas that of Corundum is 3.90-4.05.