Orthoclase and Moonstone Physical Properties

Orthoclase

Moonstone

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Physical Properties

Tenacity

Solubility

Durability

Specific Gravity

Fracture

Cleavage

Mohs Hardness

Chemical Composition

2.54-2.61

Uneven

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

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

2.56-2.60

Uneven, ConchoidalWalter Schumann

2,1 basal ; 2,1 prismatic ; 3,1 pinacoidal

6-6.5

Plagioclase Feldspar s: (Na,Ca)Al_1-2Si_3-2O₈ Orthoclase Feldspar : KAlSi₃O₈

Orthoclase and Moonstone Chemical Formula

While comparing Orthoclase and Moonstone 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 Moonstone chemical formula.

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Orthoclase Vs Taaffeite

Orthoclase Vs Oligoclase

Orthoclase Vs Muscovite

Orthoclase and Moonstone Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Orthoclase and Moonstone Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Orthoclase Vs Moonstone during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Orthoclase is whereas that of Moonstone is .