Moonstone and Caledonite Physical Properties

Moonstone

Caledonite

Add ⊕

Physical Properties

Tenacity

Brittle

Solubility

Durability

Specific Gravity

2.56-2.605.6-5.76

1 7.18

👆🏻

Fracture

Uneven, ConchoidalWalter Schumann

Uneven

Cleavage

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

[001] perfect; [100] distinct

Mohs Hardness

6-6.52.5-3

2 10

👆🏻

Chemical Composition

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

Pb 5Cu 2(SO 4) 3(CO 3)(OH) 6Anthony et al , Handbook of mineralogy (2001)

Moonstone and Caledonite Chemical Formula

While comparing Moonstone and Caledonite 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 Caledonite chemical formula.

Chemical formula of Moonstone- Plagioclase Feldspar s: (Na,Ca)Al_1-2Si_3-2O₈ Orthoclase Feldspar : KAlSi₃O₈
Chemical formula of Caledonite- Pb 5Cu 2(SO 4) 3(CO 3)(OH) 6Anthony et al , Handbook of mineralogy (2001)

Compare Semi Precious Gemstones

Moonstone Vs Rubellite

Moonstone Vs Schorlomite

Moonstone Vs Simpsonite

Moonstone and Caledonite Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Moonstone and Caledonite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Moonstone and Caledonite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Moonstone is 5.6-5.76 whereas that of Caledonite is 5.6-5.76.