Magnesite and Steatite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Brittle
Not Available
Solubility
Effervesces in hot HCl
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.92-3.12
2.20-2.80
Fracture
Conchoidal, ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), Brittle
Not Available
Cleavage
[10 1 1] perfect
Not Available
Mohs Hardness
3.5-4.5
Not Available
Chemical Composition
MgCO 3Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
Mg 3Si 4O 10(OH) 2Gemdat.org , Management Team (2012)
Magnesite and Steatite Chemical Formula
While comparing Magnesite and Steatite 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 Steatite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Magnesite- MgCO 3Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
- Chemical formula of Steatite- Mg 3Si 4O 10(OH) 2Gemdat.org , Management Team (2012)
Magnesite and Steatite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Magnesite and Steatite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Magnesite and Steatite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Magnesite is 2.20-2.80 whereas that of Steatite is 2.20-2.80.