Microcline and Forsterite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Not Available
Not Available
Solubility
Not Available
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.55-2.63
3.23-3.26
Fracture
Uneven, Uneven, Gems
Conchoidal, ConchoidalAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001), Conchoidal, Brittle
Cleavage
{001} Perfect, {010} Good
Perfect on {010} imperfect on {100}
Mohs Hardness
6-6.5
6.5-7
Chemical Composition
KAlSi 3O 8Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
Mg 2SiO 4Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
Microcline and Forsterite Chemical Formula
While comparing Microcline and Forsterite 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 Forsterite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Microcline- KAlSi 3O 8Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
- Chemical formula of Forsterite- Mg 2SiO 4Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
Microcline and Forsterite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Microcline and Forsterite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Microcline and Forsterite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Microcline is 3.23-3.26 whereas that of Forsterite is 3.23-3.26.