Halite and Forsterite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Brittle
Not Available
Solubility
Water-soluble
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.17
3.23-3.26
Fracture
Conchoidal, Brittle, Metallic
Conchoidal, ConchoidalAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001), Conchoidal, Brittle
Cleavage
Perfect {001}, three directions cubic
Perfect on {010} imperfect on {100}
Mohs Hardness
2.0-2.5
6.5-7
Chemical Composition
NaCl
Mg 2SiO 4Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
Halite and Forsterite Chemical Formula
While comparing Halite and Forsterite 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 Forsterite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Halite- NaCl
- Chemical formula of Forsterite- Mg 2SiO 4Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
Halite and Forsterite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Halite and Forsterite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Halite and Forsterite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Halite is 3.23-3.26 whereas that of Forsterite is 3.23-3.26.