Gypsum and Anhydrite Physical Properties

Gypsum

Anhydrite

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Physical Properties

Tenacity

Solubility

Durability

Specific Gravity

Fracture

Cleavage

Mohs Hardness

Chemical Composition

Flexible

Soluble

2.20-2.40

Conchoidal, Splintery, Fibrous

Perfect on {010}, distinct on {100}

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

Brittle

2.90-2.98

Conchoidal

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

3.5

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.

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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 Vs Anhydrite during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Gypsum is whereas that of Anhydrite is .