Moonstone and Benitoite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Not Available
Not Available
Solubility
Not Available
Insoluble: HCl
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.56-2.60
3.61-3.68
Fracture
Uneven, Uneven, ConchoidalWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
Conchoidal, ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), Conchoidal, Brittle
Cleavage
2,1 basal ; 2,1 prismatic ; 3,1 pinacoidal
[10 1 1] poor
Mohs Hardness
6-6.5
6-6.5
Chemical Composition
Plagioclase Feldspar s: (Na,Ca)Al1-2Si3-2O8 Orthoclase Feldspar : KAlSi3O8
BaTiSi 3O 9Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
Moonstone and Benitoite Chemical Formula
While comparing Moonstone and Benitoite 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 Benitoite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Moonstone- Plagioclase Feldspar s: (Na,Ca)Al1-2Si3-2O8 Orthoclase Feldspar : KAlSi3O8
- Chemical formula of Benitoite- BaTiSi 3O 9Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
Moonstone and Benitoite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Moonstone and Benitoite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Moonstone and Benitoite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Moonstone is 3.61-3.68 whereas that of Benitoite is 3.61-3.68.