Mellite and Petalite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Not Available
  
Brittle
  
Solubility
Not Available
  
insoluble
  
Durability
Not Available
  
Not Available
  
Specific Gravity
1.58-1.60
  
2.40
  
Fracture
ConchoidalAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001), ConchoidalAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001), Conchoidal, Brittle
  
Subconchoidal, ConchoidalWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references, Brittle, Conchoidal
  
Cleavage
{011} Imperfect
  
Perfect on {001}, poor on {201} with 38.5° angle between the two
  
Mohs Hardness
2
  
6-6.5
  
Chemical Composition
Al 2(Cl 2O 12) · 18H 2OUlrich Henn and Claudio C.
  
LiAlSi 4O 10Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
  
Mellite and Petalite Chemical Formula
While comparing Mellite and Petalite 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 Mellite and Petalite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Mellite- Al 2(Cl 2O 12) · 18H 2OUlrich Henn and Claudio C.
- Chemical formula of Petalite- LiAlSi 4O 10Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
Mellite and Petalite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Mellite and Petalite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Mellite and Petalite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Mellite is 2.40 whereas that of Petalite is 2.40.