Magnesite and Smithsonite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Brittle
  
Brittle
  
Solubility
Effervesces in hot HCl
  
Not Available
  
Durability
Not Available
  
Not Available
  
Specific Gravity
2.92-3.12
  
4.00-4.65
  
Fracture
Conchoidal, ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), Brittle
  
Uneven, Sub-Conchoidal, UnevenWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references, Brittle, Metallic
  
Cleavage
[10 1 1] perfect
  
Perfect on [1011]
  
Mohs Hardness
3.5-4.5
  
5-5.5
  
Chemical Composition
MgCO 3Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
  
ZnCO 3Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
  
Magnesite and Smithsonite Chemical Formula
While comparing Magnesite and Smithsonite 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 Magnesite and Smithsonite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Magnesite- MgCO 3Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
- Chemical formula of Smithsonite- ZnCO 3Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
Magnesite and Smithsonite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Magnesite and Smithsonite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Magnesite and Smithsonite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Magnesite is 4.00-4.65 whereas that of Smithsonite is 4.00-4.65.