Muscovite and Orthoclase Physical Properties

Muscovite

Orthoclase

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1 Physical Properties

1.1 Tenacity

Elastic

Not Available

1.2 Solubility

Not Available

1.3 Durability

Not Available

1.4 Specific Gravity

2.78-2.882.54-2.61

1 7.18

1.5 Fracture

Micaceous, Brittle

Gems, Uneven

1.6 Cleavage

Perfect on the {001}

Has perfect cleavage on {001} and good cleavage on {010}. Cleavages intersect at 90°.

1.7 Mohs Hardness

2-36

2 10

1.8 Chemical Composition

KAl 2AlSi 3O 10(OH) 2Walter Schumann , Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references

KAlSi 3O 8Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references

Muscovite and Orthoclase Chemical Formula

While comparing Muscovite and Orthoclase 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 Muscovite and Orthoclase chemical formula.

Chemical formula of Muscovite- KAl 2AlSi 3O 10(OH) 2Walter Schumann , Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references
Chemical formula of Orthoclase- KAlSi 3O 8Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references

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Muscovite and Orthoclase Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Muscovite and Orthoclase Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Muscovite and Orthoclase Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Muscovite is 2.54-2.61 whereas that of Orthoclase is 2.54-2.61.