Gypsum and Barite Physical Properties

Gypsum

Barite

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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

2.20-2.404.48

1 7.18

1.5 Fracture

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

Uneven

1.6 Cleavage

Perfect on {010}, distinct on {100}

{010} Perfect, {210} Perfect, {010} Imperfect

1.7 Mohs Hardness

23-3.5

2 10

1.8 Chemical Composition

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

BaSO4

Gypsum and Barite Chemical Formula

While comparing Gypsum and Barite 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 Barite chemical formula.

Chemical formula of Gypsum- CaSO 4 -2(H 2O)Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
Chemical formula of Barite- BaSO4

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Gypsum and Barite Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Gypsum and Barite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Gypsum and Barite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Gypsum is 4.48 whereas that of Barite is 4.48.