Gypsum and Calcite Physical Properties

Gypsum

Calcite

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1 Physical Properties

1.1 Tenacity

Flexible

Brittle

1.2 Solubility

Soluble

1.3 Durability

Not Available

1.4 Specific Gravity

2.20-2.402.67-2.73

1 7.18

1.5 Fracture

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

Conchoidal, ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), Brittle, Conchoidal

1.6 Cleavage

Perfect on {010}, distinct on {100}

Perfect on [10 1 1] three directions with angle of 74° 55

1.7 Mohs Hardness

2 10

1.8 Chemical Composition

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

CaCO 3Ulrich Henn and Claudio C.

Gypsum and Calcite Chemical Formula

While comparing Gypsum and Calcite 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 Calcite chemical formula.

Chemical formula of Gypsum- CaSO 4 -2(H 2O)Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
Chemical formula of Calcite- CaCO 3Ulrich Henn and Claudio C.

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Gypsum and Calcite Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Gypsum and Calcite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Gypsum and Calcite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Gypsum is 2.67-2.73 whereas that of Calcite is 2.67-2.73.