Gypsum and Aragonite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Flexible
Brittle
Solubility
Soluble
Dilute acid
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.20-2.40
2.93-2.96
Fracture
Conchoidal, Splintery, Fibrous, UnevenArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009)
Subconchoidal, ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), Conchoidal, Brittle
Cleavage
Perfect on {010}, distinct on {100}
Distinct on {010}, imperfect {110} and {011}
Chemical Composition
CaSO 4 -2(H 2O)Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
CaCO 3Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
Gypsum and Aragonite Chemical Formula
While comparing Gypsum and Aragonite 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 Aragonite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Gypsum- CaSO 4 -2(H 2O)Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
- Chemical formula of Aragonite- CaCO 3Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
Gypsum and Aragonite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Gypsum and Aragonite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Gypsum and Aragonite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Gypsum is 2.93-2.96 whereas that of Aragonite is 2.93-2.96.