Moonstone and Moissanite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Not Available
Not Available
Solubility
Not Available
none
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.56-2.60
3.17-3.24
Fracture
Uneven, Uneven, ConchoidalWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
Conchoidal, ConchoidalAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001), Brittle
Cleavage
2,1 basal ; 2,1 prismatic ; 3,1 pinacoidal
(0001) indistinct
Mohs Hardness
6-6.5
9-9.5
Chemical Composition
Plagioclase Feldspar s: (Na,Ca)Al1-2Si3-2O8 Orthoclase Feldspar : KAlSi3O8
SiCArthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
Moonstone and Moissanite Chemical Formula
While comparing Moonstone and Moissanite 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 Moissanite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Moonstone- Plagioclase Feldspar s: (Na,Ca)Al1-2Si3-2O8 Orthoclase Feldspar : KAlSi3O8
- Chemical formula of Moissanite- SiCArthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
Moonstone and Moissanite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Moonstone and Moissanite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Moonstone and Moissanite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Moonstone is 3.17-3.24 whereas that of Moissanite is 3.17-3.24.