Moonstone and Afghanite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Not Available
Not Available
Solubility
Not Available
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.56-2.60
2.55-2.65
Fracture
Uneven, Uneven, ConchoidalWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
Conchoidal, ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), Conchoidal, Brittle, Conchoidal, Brittle
Cleavage
2,1 basal ; 2,1 prismatic ; 3,1 pinacoidal
Perfect {10 1 0}
Mohs Hardness
6-6.5
5.5-6
Chemical Composition
Plagioclase Feldspar s: (Na,Ca)Al1-2Si3-2O8 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)Al1-2Si3-2O8 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)
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.