Halite and Afghanite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Brittle
Not Available
Solubility
Water-soluble
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.17
2.55-2.65
Fracture
Conchoidal, Brittle, Metallic
Conchoidal, ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), Conchoidal, Brittle, Conchoidal, Brittle
Cleavage
Perfect {001}, three directions cubic
Perfect {10 1 0}
Mohs Hardness
2.0-2.5
5.5-6
Chemical Composition
NaCl
(Na,Ca,K) 8(Si,Al) 12O 24(SO 4,Cl,CO 3) 3(H 2O)Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
Halite and Afghanite Chemical Formula
While comparing Halite and Afghanite 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 Halite and Afghanite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Halite- NaCl
- Chemical formula of Afghanite- (Na,Ca,K) 8(Si,Al) 12O 24(SO 4,Cl,CO 3) 3(H 2O)Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
Halite and Afghanite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Halite and Afghanite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Halite and Afghanite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Halite is 2.55-2.65 whereas that of Afghanite is 2.55-2.65.