Forsterite and Spinel Physical Properties
Tenacity
Not Available
Not Available
Solubility
Not Available
none
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
3.23-3.26
3.64-3.66
Fracture
Conchoidal, ConchoidalAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001), Conchoidal, Brittle
Conchoidal, Uneven, ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009)
Cleavage
Perfect on {010} imperfect on {100}
None, but may exhibit slight parting
Chemical Composition
Mg 2SiO 4Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
MgAl2O4
Forsterite and Spinel Chemical Formula
While comparing Forsterite and Spinel 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 Spinel chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Forsterite- Mg 2SiO 4Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
- Chemical formula of Spinel- MgAl2O4
Forsterite and Spinel Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Forsterite and Spinel Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Forsterite and Spinel Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Forsterite is 3.64-3.66 whereas that of Spinel is 3.64-3.66.