Microcline and Albite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Not Available
Brittle
Solubility
Not Available
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.55-2.63
2.60-2.65
Fracture
Uneven, Uneven, Gems
Uneven, Uneven, Gems, Sixth Edition (2006), Uneven, Conchoidal
Cleavage
{001} Perfect, {010} Good
Perfect on {001}, very good on {010}, imperfect on {110}
Mohs Hardness
6-6.5
6-6.5
Chemical Composition
KAlSi 3O 8Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
NaAlSi 3O 8Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
Microcline and Albite Chemical Formula
While comparing Microcline and Albite 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 Microcline and Albite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Microcline- KAlSi 3O 8Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
- Chemical formula of Albite- NaAlSi 3O 8Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
Microcline and Albite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Microcline and Albite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Microcline and Albite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Microcline is 2.60-2.65 whereas that of Albite is 2.60-2.65.