Muscovite and Petalite Physical Properties
Solubility
Not Available
insoluble
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.78-2.88
2.40
Fracture
Micaceous, Brittle
Subconchoidal, ConchoidalWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references, Brittle, Conchoidal
Cleavage
Perfect on the {001}
Perfect on {001}, poor on {201} with 38.5° angle between the two
Chemical Composition
KAl 2AlSi 3O 10(OH) 2Walter Schumann , Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references
LiAlSi 4O 10Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
Muscovite and Petalite Chemical Formula
While comparing Muscovite and Petalite 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 Petalite 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 Petalite- LiAlSi 4O 10Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
Muscovite and Petalite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Muscovite and Petalite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Muscovite and Petalite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Muscovite is 2.40 whereas that of Petalite is 2.40.