Malachite and Afghanite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Not Available
Not Available
Solubility
Not Available
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
3.25-4.10
2.55-2.65
Fracture
Conchoidal, Conchoidal, Gemstones (2009), Uneven
Conchoidal, ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), Conchoidal, Brittle, Conchoidal, Brittle
Cleavage
Perfect on { 2 01} fair on {010}
Perfect {10 1 0}
Mohs Hardness
3.5-4
5.5-6
Chemical Composition
Cu2CO3(OH)2
(Na,Ca,K) 8(Si,Al) 12O 24(SO 4,Cl,CO 3) 3(H 2O)Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
Malachite and Afghanite Chemical Formula
While comparing Malachite 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 Malachite and Afghanite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Malachite- Cu2CO3(OH)2
- Chemical formula of Afghanite- (Na,Ca,K) 8(Si,Al) 12O 24(SO 4,Cl,CO 3) 3(H 2O)Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
Malachite and Afghanite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Malachite and Afghanite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Malachite and Afghanite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Malachite is 2.55-2.65 whereas that of Afghanite is 2.55-2.65.