Moonstone and Afghanite Physical Properties

Moonstone

Afghanite

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Physical Properties

Tenacity

Solubility

Durability

Specific Gravity

2.56-2.602.55-2.65

1 7.18

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Fracture

Uneven, ConchoidalWalter Schumann

Conchoidal

Cleavage

2,1 basal ; 2,1 prismatic ; 3,1 pinacoidal

Perfect {10 1 0}

Mohs Hardness

6-6.55.5-6

2 10

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Chemical Composition

Plagioclase Feldspar s: (Na,Ca)Al_1-2Si_3-2O₈ Orthoclase Feldspar : KAlSi₃O₈

(Na,Ca,K) 8(Si,Al) 12O 24(SO 4,Cl,CO 3) 3(H 2O)Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)

Moonstone and Afghanite Chemical Formula

While comparing Moonstone and Afghanite 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 Moonstone and Afghanite chemical formula.

Chemical formula of Moonstone- Plagioclase Feldspar s: (Na,Ca)Al_1-2Si_3-2O₈ Orthoclase Feldspar : KAlSi₃O₈
Chemical formula of Afghanite- (Na,Ca,K) 8(Si,Al) 12O 24(SO 4,Cl,CO 3) 3(H 2O)Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)

Compare Semi Precious Gemstones

Moonstone Vs Rubellite

Moonstone Vs Schorlomite

Moonstone Vs Simpsonite

Moonstone and Afghanite Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Moonstone and Afghanite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Moonstone and Afghanite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Moonstone is 2.55-2.65 whereas that of Afghanite is 2.55-2.65.