Moonstone and Aragonite Physical Properties
Specific Gravity
2.56-2.60
2.93-2.96
Fracture
Uneven, ConchoidalWalter Schumann
Subconchoidal, Conchoidal
Cleavage
2,1 basal ; 2,1 prismatic ; 3,1 pinacoidal
Distinct on {010}, imperfect {110} and {011}
Mohs Hardness
6-6.5
3.5-4
Chemical Composition
Plagioclase Feldspar s: (Na,Ca)Al1-2Si3-2O8 Orthoclase Feldspar : KAlSi3O8
CaCO 3Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
Moonstone and Aragonite Chemical Formula
While comparing Moonstone and Aragonite 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 Aragonite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Moonstone- Plagioclase Feldspar s: (Na,Ca)Al1-2Si3-2O8 Orthoclase Feldspar : KAlSi3O8
- Chemical formula of Aragonite- CaCO 3Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
Moonstone and Aragonite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Moonstone and Aragonite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Moonstone and Aragonite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Moonstone is 2.93-2.96 whereas that of Aragonite is 2.93-2.96.