Marcasite and Diaspore Physical Properties
Tenacity
Not Available
Very brittle
Solubility
Not Available
insoluble
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
4.80-4.90
3.30-3.40
Fracture
UnevenArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), UnevenArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), Uneven
Conchoidal, Brittle, Conchoidal
Cleavage
{010} Indistinct
{010} perfect, {110} distinct, {100} in traces
Mohs Hardness
6-6.5
6.5-7
Chemical Composition
FeS 2Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
AlO(OH)Walter Schumann , Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references
Marcasite and Diaspore Chemical Formula
While comparing Marcasite and Diaspore 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 Marcasite and Diaspore chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Marcasite- FeS 2Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
- Chemical formula of Diaspore- AlO(OH)Walter Schumann , Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references
Marcasite and Diaspore Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Marcasite and Diaspore Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Marcasite and Diaspore Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Marcasite is 3.30-3.40 whereas that of Diaspore is 3.30-3.40.