Howlite and Austinite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Not Available
Brittle
Solubility
Not Available
Easily soluble in cold dilute HCl
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.45-2.58
4.12
Fracture
UnevenArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), UnevenArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), Brittle, Conchoidal
Brittle, Uneven, Brittle, Uneven
Cleavage
None
Good in two directions parallel to the prism faces {110}
Mohs Hardness
3-3.5
4-4.5
Chemical Composition
Ca 2B 5SiO 9(OH) 5Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
CaZn(AsO4)(OH)
Howlite and Austinite Chemical Formula
While comparing Howlite and Austinite 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 Austinite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Howlite- Ca 2B 5SiO 9(OH) 5Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
- Chemical formula of Austinite- CaZn(AsO4)(OH)
Howlite and Austinite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Howlite and Austinite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Howlite and Austinite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Howlite is 4.12 whereas that of Austinite is 4.12.