Iolite and Elbaite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Not Available
Not Available
Solubility
Not Available
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.6-2.7
2.90-3.10
Fracture
Not Available
Uneven, Conchoidal, Brittle, Uneven, ConchoidalAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001), Conchoidal, Brittle
Cleavage
3,1
Poor/indistinct on {1120} and {1011}
Chemical Composition
Mg2Al4Si5O18
Na(Li 1.5Al 1.5)Al 6(Si 6O 18)(BO 3) 3(OH) 3(OH)Gemdat.org , Management Team (2012) More from other references
Iolite and Elbaite Chemical Formula
While comparing Iolite and Elbaite 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 Elbaite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Iolite- Mg2Al4Si5O18
- Chemical formula of Elbaite- Na(Li 1.5Al 1.5)Al 6(Si 6O 18)(BO 3) 3(OH) 3(OH)Gemdat.org , Management Team (2012) More from other references
Iolite and Elbaite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Iolite and Elbaite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Iolite and Elbaite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Iolite is 2.90-3.10 whereas that of Elbaite is 2.90-3.10.