Gypsum and Ettringite Physical Properties

Gypsum

Ettringite

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1 Physical Properties

1.1 Tenacity

Flexible

Not Available

1.2 Solubility

Soluble

Partially soluble in water

1.3 Durability

Not Available

1.4 Specific Gravity

2.20-2.401.77

1 7.18

1.5 Fracture

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

Not Available

1.6 Cleavage

Perfect on {010}, distinct on {100}

Perfect on {10 1 0}

1.7 Mohs Hardness

22-2.5

2 10

1.8 Chemical Composition

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

Ca 6Al 2(SO 4) 3(OH) 12 26H 2OMichael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)

Gypsum and Ettringite Chemical Formula

While comparing Gypsum and Ettringite 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 Ettringite chemical formula.

Chemical formula of Gypsum- CaSO 4 -2(H 2O)Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
Chemical formula of Ettringite- Ca 6Al 2(SO 4) 3(OH) 12 26H 2OMichael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)

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Gypsum and Ettringite Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Gypsum and Ettringite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Gypsum and Ettringite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Gypsum is 1.77 whereas that of Ettringite is 1.77.