Orthoclase and Biotite Physical Properties

Orthoclase and Biotite Chemical Formula

While comparing Orthoclase and Biotite 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 Orthoclase and Biotite chemical formula.

• Chemical formula of Orthoclase- KAlSi 3O 8Michael O’Donoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
• Chemical formula of Biotite- K(Mg,Fe++)3[AlSi3O10(OH,F)2

Orthoclase and Biotite Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Orthoclase and Biotite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Orthoclase and Biotite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Orthoclase is 2.7-3.3 whereas that of Biotite is 2.7-3.3.