Magnesite and Variscite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Brittle
Not Available
Solubility
Effervesces in hot HCl
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.92-3.12
2.42-2.58
Fracture
Conchoidal, ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), Brittle
Conchoidal, Splintery, ConchoidalWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references, Brittle
Cleavage
[10 1 1] perfect
[010] perfect
Mohs Hardness
3.5-4.5
4-5
Chemical Composition
MgCO 3Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
AlPO4 · 2(H2O)
Magnesite and Variscite Chemical Formula
While comparing Magnesite and Variscite 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 Variscite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Magnesite- MgCO 3Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
- Chemical formula of Variscite- AlPO4 · 2(H2O)
Magnesite and Variscite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Magnesite and Variscite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Magnesite and Variscite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Magnesite is 2.42-2.58 whereas that of Variscite is 2.42-2.58.