Gypsum and Anhydrite Physical Properties

Gypsum

Anhydrite

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1 Physical Properties

1.1 Tenacity

Flexible

Brittle

1.2 Solubility

Soluble

Not Available

1.3 Durability

Not Available

1.4 Specific Gravity

2.20-2.402.90-2.98

1 7.18

1.5 Fracture

Conchoidal, Splintery, Fibrous, UnevenArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009)

Conchoidal, Brittle, Conchoidal, UnevenArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), Brittle, Conchoidal

1.6 Cleavage

Perfect on {010}, distinct on {100}

Rare tabular and prismatic crystals. Usually occurs as fibrous, parallel veins that break off into cleavage fragments.

1.7 Mohs Hardness

23.5

2 10

1.8 Chemical Composition

CaSO 4 -2(H 2O)Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)

CaSO 4Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth edition (2006) More from other references

Gypsum and Anhydrite Chemical Formula

While comparing Gypsum and Anhydrite 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 Gypsum and Anhydrite chemical formula.

Chemical formula of Gypsum- CaSO 4 -2(H 2O)Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
Chemical formula of Anhydrite- CaSO 4Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth edition (2006) More from other references

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Gypsum and Anhydrite Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Gypsum and Anhydrite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Gypsum and Anhydrite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Gypsum is 2.90-2.98 whereas that of Anhydrite is 2.90-2.98.