Moonstone and Richterite Physical Properties

Moonstone

Richterite

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Physical Properties

Tenacity

Solubility

Durability

Specific Gravity

2.56-2.603.0-3.5

1 7.18

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Fracture

Uneven, ConchoidalWalter Schumann

Uneven

Cleavage

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

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Mohs Hardness

6-6.55-6

2 10

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Chemical Composition

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

Na(CaNa)(Mg,Fe++)5(Si8O22)(OH)2

Moonstone and Richterite Chemical Formula

While comparing Moonstone and Richterite 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 Richterite chemical formula.

Chemical formula of Moonstone- Plagioclase Feldspar s: (Na,Ca)Al_1-2Si_3-2O₈ Orthoclase Feldspar : KAlSi₃O₈
Chemical formula of Richterite- Na(CaNa)(Mg,Fe++)5(Si8O22)(OH)2

Compare Semi Precious Gemstones

Moonstone Vs Rubellite

Moonstone Vs Schorlomite

Moonstone Vs Simpsonite

Moonstone and Richterite Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Moonstone and Richterite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Moonstone and Richterite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Moonstone is 3.0-3.5 whereas that of Richterite is 3.0-3.5.