Forsterite and Halite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Not Available
Brittle
Solubility
Not Available
Water-soluble
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
3.23-3.26
2.17
Fracture
Conchoidal, ConchoidalAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001), Conchoidal, Brittle
Conchoidal, Brittle, Metallic
Cleavage
Perfect on {010} imperfect on {100}
Perfect {001}, three directions cubic
Mohs Hardness
6.5-7
2.0-2.5
Chemical Composition
Mg 2SiO 4Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
NaCl
Forsterite and Halite Chemical Formula
While comparing Forsterite and Halite 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 Halite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Forsterite- Mg 2SiO 4Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
- Chemical formula of Halite- NaCl
Forsterite and Halite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Forsterite and Halite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Forsterite and Halite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Forsterite is 2.17 whereas that of Halite is 2.17.