Moonstone and Petalite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Not Available
Brittle
Solubility
Not Available
insoluble
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.56-2.60
2.40
Fracture
Uneven, Uneven, ConchoidalWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
Subconchoidal, ConchoidalWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references, Brittle, Conchoidal
Cleavage
2,1 basal ; 2,1 prismatic ; 3,1 pinacoidal
Perfect on {001}, poor on {201} with 38.5° angle between the two
Mohs Hardness
6-6.5
6-6.5
Chemical Composition
Plagioclase Feldspar s: (Na,Ca)Al1-2Si3-2O8 Orthoclase Feldspar : KAlSi3O8
LiAlSi 4O 10Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
Moonstone and Petalite Chemical Formula
While comparing Moonstone and Petalite 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 Petalite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Moonstone- Plagioclase Feldspar s: (Na,Ca)Al1-2Si3-2O8 Orthoclase Feldspar : KAlSi3O8
- Chemical formula of Petalite- LiAlSi 4O 10Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
Moonstone and Petalite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Moonstone and Petalite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Moonstone and Petalite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Moonstone is 2.40 whereas that of Petalite is 2.40.