Gypsum and Fluorite Physical Properties
Physical Properties
Tenacity
Flexible
Brittle
Solubility
Soluble
slightly water soluble and in hot hydrochloric acid
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.20-2.40
3.00-3.25
Fracture
Conchoidal, Splintery, Fibrous, UnevenArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009)
Subconchoidal, Uneven, ConchoidalWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references
Cleavage
Perfect on {010}, distinct on {100}
Octahedral, perfect on {111}, parting on {011}
Mohs Hardness
2
4
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
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.
