Halite and Ettringite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Brittle
  
Not Available
  
Solubility
Water-soluble
  
Partially soluble in water
  
Durability
Not Available
  
Not Available
  
Specific Gravity
2.17
  
1.77
  
Fracture
Conchoidal, Brittle, Metallic
  
Not Available
  
Cleavage
Perfect {001}, three directions cubic
  
Perfect on {10 1 0}
  
Mohs Hardness
2.0-2.5
  
2-2.5
  
Chemical Composition
NaCl
  
Ca 6Al 2(SO 4) 3(OH) 12 26H 2OMichael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
  
Halite and Ettringite Chemical Formula
While comparing Halite and Ettringite 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 Ettringite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Halite- NaCl
- Chemical formula of Ettringite- Ca 6Al 2(SO 4) 3(OH) 12 26H 2OMichael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
Halite and Ettringite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Halite and Ettringite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Halite and Ettringite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Halite is 1.77 whereas that of Ettringite is 1.77.