Moonstone and Andradite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Not Available
Brittle
Solubility
Not Available
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.56-2.60
3.70-4.10
Fracture
Uneven, Uneven, ConchoidalWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
Conchoidal, Uneven, Conchoidal, Brittle, ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009)
Cleavage
2,1 basal ; 2,1 prismatic ; 3,1 pinacoidal
none
Mohs Hardness
6-6.5
6.5-7
Chemical Composition
Plagioclase Feldspar s: (Na,Ca)Al1-2Si3-2O8 Orthoclase Feldspar : KAlSi3O8
Ca 3Fe 2(SiO 4) 3Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
Moonstone and Andradite Chemical Formula
While comparing Moonstone and Andradite 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 Andradite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Moonstone- Plagioclase Feldspar s: (Na,Ca)Al1-2Si3-2O8 Orthoclase Feldspar : KAlSi3O8
- Chemical formula of Andradite- Ca 3Fe 2(SiO 4) 3Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
Moonstone and Andradite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Moonstone and Andradite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Moonstone and Andradite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Moonstone is 3.70-4.10 whereas that of Andradite is 3.70-4.10.