Iolite and Afghanite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Not Available
Not Available
Solubility
Not Available
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.6-2.7
2.55-2.65
Fracture
Not Available
Conchoidal, ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), Conchoidal, Brittle, Conchoidal, Brittle
Cleavage
3,1
Perfect {10 1 0}
Mohs Hardness
7-7.5
5.5-6
Chemical Composition
Mg2Al4Si5O18
(Na,Ca,K) 8(Si,Al) 12O 24(SO 4,Cl,CO 3) 3(H 2O)Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
Iolite and Afghanite Chemical Formula
While comparing Iolite and Afghanite 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 Iolite and Afghanite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Iolite- Mg2Al4Si5O18
- Chemical formula of Afghanite- (Na,Ca,K) 8(Si,Al) 12O 24(SO 4,Cl,CO 3) 3(H 2O)Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
Iolite and Afghanite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Iolite and Afghanite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Iolite and Afghanite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Iolite is 2.55-2.65 whereas that of Afghanite is 2.55-2.65.