Gypsum and Barite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Flexible
  
Not Available
  
Solubility
Soluble
  
Not Available
  
Durability
Not Available
  
Not Available
  
Specific Gravity
2.20-2.40
  
4.48
  
Fracture
Conchoidal, Splintery, Fibrous, UnevenArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009)
  
Uneven
  
Cleavage
Perfect on {010}, distinct on {100}
  
{010} Perfect, {210} Perfect, {010} Imperfect
  
Mohs Hardness
2
  
3-3.5
  
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
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.