Halite and Howlite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Brittle
Not Available
Solubility
Water-soluble
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.17
2.45-2.58
Fracture
Conchoidal, Brittle, Metallic
UnevenArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), UnevenArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), Brittle, Conchoidal
Cleavage
Perfect {001}, three directions cubic
None
Mohs Hardness
2.0-2.5
3-3.5
Chemical Composition
NaCl
Ca 2B 5SiO 9(OH) 5Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
Halite and Howlite Chemical Formula
While comparing Halite and Howlite 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 Howlite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Halite- NaCl
- Chemical formula of Howlite- Ca 2B 5SiO 9(OH) 5Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
Halite and Howlite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Halite and Howlite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Halite and Howlite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Halite is 2.45-2.58 whereas that of Howlite is 2.45-2.58.