Halite and Anhydrite Physical Properties

Halite

Anhydrite

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1 Physical Properties

1.1 Tenacity

Brittle

1.2 Solubility

Water-soluble

Not Available

1.3 Durability

Not Available

1.4 Specific Gravity

2.172.90-2.98

1 7.18

1.5 Fracture

Conchoidal, Brittle, Metallic

Conchoidal, Brittle, Conchoidal, UnevenArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), Brittle, Conchoidal

1.6 Cleavage

Perfect {001}, three directions cubic

Rare tabular and prismatic crystals. Usually occurs as fibrous, parallel veins that break off into cleavage fragments.

1.7 Mohs Hardness

2.0-2.53.5

2 10

1.8 Chemical Composition

NaCl

CaSO 4Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth edition (2006) More from other references

Halite and Anhydrite Chemical Formula

While comparing Halite and Anhydrite 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 Anhydrite chemical formula.

Chemical formula of Halite- NaCl
Chemical formula of Anhydrite- CaSO 4Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth edition (2006) More from other references

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Halite and Anhydrite Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Halite and Anhydrite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Halite and Anhydrite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Halite is 2.90-2.98 whereas that of Anhydrite is 2.90-2.98.