Galena and Halite Physical Properties

Galena

Halite

Add ⊕

1 Physical Properties

1.1 Tenacity

Brittle

1.2 Solubility

Not Available

Water-soluble

1.3 Durability

Not Available

1.4 Specific Gravity

6.232.17

1 7.18

1.5 Fracture

Subconchoidal, Brittle, Metallic

Conchoidal, Brittle, Metallic

1.6 Cleavage

Cubic perfect on [001], parting on [111]

Perfect {001}, three directions cubic

1.7 Mohs Hardness

2.5-2.752.0-2.5

2 10

1.8 Chemical Composition

PbS

NaCl

Galena and Halite Chemical Formula

While comparing Galena 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 Galena and Halite chemical formula.

Chemical formula of Galena- PbS
Chemical formula of Halite- NaCl

Compare Grey Gemstones

Galena Vs Clinochlore

Galena Vs Falcons Eye

Galena Vs Larvikite

Galena and Halite Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Galena and Halite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Galena and Halite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Galena is 2.17 whereas that of Halite is 2.17.