Moonstone and Gypsum Physical Properties
Tenacity
Not Available
Flexible
Solubility
Not Available
Soluble
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.56-2.60
2.20-2.40
Fracture
Uneven, Uneven, ConchoidalWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
Conchoidal, Splintery, Fibrous, UnevenArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009)
Cleavage
2,1 basal ; 2,1 prismatic ; 3,1 pinacoidal
Perfect on {010}, distinct on {100}
Chemical Composition
Plagioclase Feldspar s: (Na,Ca)Al1-2Si3-2O8 Orthoclase Feldspar : KAlSi3O8
CaSO 4 -2(H 2O)Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
Moonstone and Gypsum Chemical Formula
While comparing Moonstone and Gypsum 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 Gypsum chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Moonstone- Plagioclase Feldspar s: (Na,Ca)Al1-2Si3-2O8 Orthoclase Feldspar : KAlSi3O8
- Chemical formula of Gypsum- CaSO 4 -2(H 2O)Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
Moonstone and Gypsum Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Moonstone and Gypsum Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Moonstone and Gypsum Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Moonstone is 2.20-2.40 whereas that of Gypsum is 2.20-2.40.