Moonstone and Steatite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Not Available
Not Available
Solubility
Not Available
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.56-2.60
2.20-2.80
Fracture
Uneven, Uneven, ConchoidalWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
Not Available
Cleavage
2,1 basal ; 2,1 prismatic ; 3,1 pinacoidal
Not Available
Mohs Hardness
6-6.5
Not Available
Chemical Composition
Plagioclase Feldspar s: (Na,Ca)Al1-2Si3-2O8 Orthoclase Feldspar : KAlSi3O8
Mg 3Si 4O 10(OH) 2Gemdat.org , Management Team (2012)
Moonstone and Steatite Chemical Formula
While comparing Moonstone and Steatite 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 Steatite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Moonstone- Plagioclase Feldspar s: (Na,Ca)Al1-2Si3-2O8 Orthoclase Feldspar : KAlSi3O8
- Chemical formula of Steatite- Mg 3Si 4O 10(OH) 2Gemdat.org , Management Team (2012)
Moonstone and Steatite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Moonstone and Steatite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Moonstone and Steatite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Moonstone is 2.20-2.80 whereas that of Steatite is 2.20-2.80.