Orthoclase and Sunstone Physical Properties
Tenacity
Not Available
Not Available
Solubility
Not Available
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.54-2.61
2.62-2.65
Fracture
Gems, Uneven
Gemstones of the world (2001)
Cleavage
Has perfect cleavage on {001} and good cleavage on {010}. Cleavages intersect at 90°.
001
Chemical Composition
KAlSi 3O 8Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
Microcline: KAlSi3O8 Oligoclase: (Na,Ca)Al1-2Si3-2O8
Orthoclase and Sunstone Chemical Formula
While comparing Orthoclase and Sunstone 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 Sunstone chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Orthoclase- KAlSi 3O 8Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
- Chemical formula of Sunstone- Microcline: KAlSi3O8 Oligoclase: (Na,Ca)Al1-2Si3-2O8
Orthoclase and Sunstone Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Orthoclase and Sunstone Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Orthoclase and Sunstone Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Orthoclase is 2.62-2.65 whereas that of Sunstone is 2.62-2.65.