Gypsum and Moonstone Physical Properties
Tenacity
Flexible
Not Available
Solubility
Soluble
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.20-2.40
2.56-2.60
Fracture
Conchoidal, Splintery, Fibrous, UnevenArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009)
Uneven, Uneven, ConchoidalWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
Cleavage
Perfect on {010}, distinct on {100}
2,1 basal ; 2,1 prismatic ; 3,1 pinacoidal
Chemical Composition
CaSO 4 -2(H 2O)Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
Plagioclase Feldspar s: (Na,Ca)Al1-2Si3-2O8 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)Al1-2Si3-2O8 Orthoclase Feldspar : KAlSi3O8
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.