Gypsum and Moonstone Physical Properties

Gypsum

Moonstone

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1 Physical Properties

1.1 Tenacity

Flexible

Not Available

1.2 Solubility

Soluble

Not Available

1.3 Durability

Not Available

1.4 Specific Gravity

2.20-2.402.56-2.60

1 7.18

1.5 Fracture

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

Uneven, Uneven, ConchoidalWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)

1.6 Cleavage

Perfect on {010}, distinct on {100}

2,1 basal ; 2,1 prismatic ; 3,1 pinacoidal

1.7 Mohs Hardness

26-6.5

2 10

1.8 Chemical Composition

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

Plagioclase Feldspar s: (Na,Ca)Al_1-2Si_3-2O₈ Orthoclase Feldspar : KAlSi₃O₈

Gypsum and Moonstone Chemical Formula

While comparing Gypsum and Moonstone 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 Moonstone chemical formula.

Chemical formula of Gypsum- CaSO 4 -2(H 2O)Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
Chemical formula of Moonstone- Plagioclase Feldspar s: (Na,Ca)Al_1-2Si_3-2O₈ Orthoclase Feldspar : KAlSi₃O₈

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Gypsum and Moonstone Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Gypsum and Moonstone Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Gypsum and Moonstone Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Gypsum is 2.56-2.60 whereas that of Moonstone is 2.56-2.60.