Moonstone and Taaffeite Physical Properties
Specific Gravity
2.56-2.60
3.60-3.61
Fracture
Uneven, ConchoidalWalter Schumann
Conchoidal
Cleavage
2,1 basal ; 2,1 prismatic ; 3,1 pinacoidal
Imperfect/fair/absent
Mohs Hardness
6-6.5
8-8.5
Chemical Composition
Plagioclase Feldspar s: (Na,Ca)Al1-2Si3-2O8 Orthoclase Feldspar : KAlSi3O8
Mg 3Al 8BeO 16Walter Schumann , Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references
Moonstone and Taaffeite Chemical Formula
While comparing Moonstone and Taaffeite 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 Taaffeite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Moonstone- Plagioclase Feldspar s: (Na,Ca)Al1-2Si3-2O8 Orthoclase Feldspar : KAlSi3O8
- Chemical formula of Taaffeite- Mg 3Al 8BeO 16Walter Schumann , Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references
Moonstone and Taaffeite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Moonstone and Taaffeite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Moonstone and Taaffeite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Moonstone is 3.60-3.61 whereas that of Taaffeite is 3.60-3.61.