Gypsum and Astrophyllite Physical Properties

Gypsum

Astrophyllite

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1 Physical Properties

1.1 Tenacity

Flexible

Not Available

1.2 Solubility

Soluble

Not Available

1.3 Durability

Not Available

1.4 Specific Gravity

2.20-2.403.2-3.4

1 7.18

1.5 Fracture

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

Uneven, Brittle, Metallic

1.6 Cleavage

Perfect on {010}, distinct on {100}

Perfect on [001] imperfect on [100]

1.7 Mohs Hardness

2 10

1.8 Chemical Composition

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

(K,Na) 3(Fe2+ ,Mn) 7Ti 2Si 8O 24(O,OH) 7Anthony et al , Handbook of mineralogy (2001)

Gypsum and Astrophyllite Chemical Formula

While comparing Gypsum and Astrophyllite 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 Astrophyllite chemical formula.

Chemical formula of Gypsum- CaSO 4 -2(H 2O)Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
Chemical formula of Astrophyllite- (K,Na) 3(Fe2+ ,Mn) 7Ti 2Si 8O 24(O,OH) 7Anthony et al , Handbook of mineralogy (2001)

Compare Colorless Gems

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Gypsum and Astrophyllite Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Gypsum and Astrophyllite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Gypsum and Astrophyllite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Gypsum is 3.2-3.4 whereas that of Astrophyllite is 3.2-3.4.