Moonstone and Triplite Physical Properties
Specific Gravity
2.56-2.60
3.85-3.94
Fracture
Uneven, ConchoidalWalter Schumann
Conchoidal, Uneven
Cleavage
2,1 basal ; 2,1 prismatic ; 3,1 pinacoidal
{010} Good, {100} Distinct
Mohs Hardness
6-6.5
5-5.5
Chemical Composition
Plagioclase Feldspar s: (Na,Ca)Al1-2Si3-2O8 Orthoclase Feldspar : KAlSi3O8
(Mn2+ ,Fe2+ ,Mg,Ca) 2(PO 4)(F,OH)Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
Moonstone and Triplite Chemical Formula
While comparing Moonstone and Triplite 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 Triplite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Moonstone- Plagioclase Feldspar s: (Na,Ca)Al1-2Si3-2O8 Orthoclase Feldspar : KAlSi3O8
- Chemical formula of Triplite- (Mn2+ ,Fe2+ ,Mg,Ca) 2(PO 4)(F,OH)Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
Moonstone and Triplite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Moonstone and Triplite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Moonstone and Triplite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Moonstone is 3.85-3.94 whereas that of Triplite is 3.85-3.94.