Howlite and Alunite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Not Available
Brittle
Solubility
Not Available
Soluble
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.45-2.58
2.6-2.9
Fracture
UnevenArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), UnevenArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), Brittle, Conchoidal
Conchoidal, Uneven
Cleavage
None
On {0001}, perfect
Mohs Hardness
3-3.5
3.5-4
Chemical Composition
Ca 2B 5SiO 9(OH) 5Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
KAl3(SO4)2(OH)6
Howlite and Alunite Chemical Formula
While comparing Howlite and Alunite 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 Howlite and Alunite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Howlite- Ca 2B 5SiO 9(OH) 5Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
- Chemical formula of Alunite- KAl3(SO4)2(OH)6
Howlite and Alunite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Howlite and Alunite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Howlite and Alunite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Howlite is 2.6-2.9 whereas that of Alunite is 2.6-2.9.