Orthoclase and Petalite Physical Properties

Orthoclase

Petalite

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1 Physical Properties

1.1 Tenacity

Not Available

Brittle

1.2 Solubility

Not Available

insoluble

1.3 Durability

Not Available

1.4 Specific Gravity

2.54-2.612.40

1 7.18

1.5 Fracture

Gems, Uneven

Subconchoidal, ConchoidalWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references, Brittle, Conchoidal

1.6 Cleavage

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

Perfect on {001}, poor on {201} with 38.5° angle between the two

1.7 Mohs Hardness

66-6.5

2 10

1.8 Chemical Composition

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

LiAlSi 4O 10Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references

Orthoclase and Petalite Chemical Formula

While comparing Orthoclase 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 Orthoclase and Petalite chemical formula.

Chemical formula of Orthoclase- KAlSi 3O 8Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
Chemical formula of Petalite- LiAlSi 4O 10Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references

Compare Colorless Gems

Orthoclase Vs Phenakite

Orthoclase Vs Phosphosiderite

Orthoclase Vs Phosphophyllite

Orthoclase and Petalite Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Orthoclase and Petalite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Orthoclase and Petalite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Orthoclase is 2.40 whereas that of Petalite is 2.40.