Marcasite and Pyrite Physical Properties

Marcasite

Pyrite

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Physical Properties

Tenacity

Brittle

Solubility

insoluble in water

Durability

Specific Gravity

4.80-4.905.00-5.20

1 7.18

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Fracture

Uneven

Uneven, Conchoidal, ConchoidalWalter Schumann

Cleavage

{010} Indistinct

Indistinct on {001}; partings on {011} and {111}

Mohs Hardness

6-6.56-6.5

2 10

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Chemical Composition

FeS 2Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references

Marcasite and Pyrite Chemical Formula

While comparing Marcasite and Pyrite 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 Pyrite chemical formula.

Chemical formula of Marcasite- FeS 2Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
Chemical formula of Pyrite- FeS 2Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references

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Marcasite and Pyrite Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Marcasite and Pyrite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Marcasite and Pyrite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Marcasite is 5.00-5.20 whereas that of Pyrite is 5.00-5.20.