Malachite and Marcasite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Not Available
Not Available
Solubility
Not Available
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
3.25-4.10
4.80-4.90
Fracture
Conchoidal, Conchoidal, Gemstones (2009), Uneven
UnevenArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), UnevenArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), Uneven
Cleavage
Perfect on { 2 01} fair on {010}
{010} Indistinct
Mohs Hardness
3.5-4
6-6.5
Chemical Composition
Cu2CO3(OH)2
FeS 2Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
Malachite and Marcasite Chemical Formula
While comparing Malachite and Marcasite 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 Marcasite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Malachite- Cu2CO3(OH)2
- Chemical formula of Marcasite- FeS 2Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
Malachite and Marcasite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Malachite and Marcasite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Malachite and Marcasite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Malachite is 4.80-4.90 whereas that of Marcasite is 4.80-4.90.