Gypsum and Diopside Physical Properties
Tenacity
Flexible
Brittle
Solubility
Soluble
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.20-2.40
3.22-3.40
Fracture
Conchoidal, Splintery, Fibrous, UnevenArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009)
Conchoidal, UnevenWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references, Brittle, Conchoidal
Cleavage
Perfect on {010}, distinct on {100}
Distinct/good on {110}
Chemical Composition
CaSO 4 -2(H 2O)Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
CaMgSi2O6
Gypsum and Diopside Chemical Formula
While comparing Gypsum and Diopside 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 Diopside chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Gypsum- CaSO 4 -2(H 2O)Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
- Chemical formula of Diopside- CaMgSi2O6
Gypsum and Diopside Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Gypsum and Diopside Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Gypsum and Diopside Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Gypsum is 3.22-3.40 whereas that of Diopside is 3.22-3.40.