Gypsum and Fluorite Physical Properties

Gypsum

Fluorite

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1 Physical Properties

1.1 Tenacity

Flexible

Brittle

1.2 Solubility

Soluble

slightly water soluble and in hot hydrochloric acid

1.3 Durability

Not Available

1.4 Specific Gravity

2.20-2.403.00-3.25

1 7.18

1.5 Fracture

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

Subconchoidal, Uneven, ConchoidalWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references

1.6 Cleavage

Perfect on {010}, distinct on {100}

Octahedral, perfect on {111}, parting on {011}

1.7 Mohs Hardness

2 10

1.8 Chemical Composition

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

CaF₂

Gypsum and Fluorite Chemical Formula

While comparing Gypsum and Fluorite 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 Fluorite chemical formula.

Chemical formula of Gypsum- CaSO 4 -2(H 2O)Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
Chemical formula of Fluorite- CaF₂

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Gypsum and Fluorite Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Gypsum and Fluorite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Gypsum and Fluorite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Gypsum is 3.00-3.25 whereas that of Fluorite is 3.00-3.25.