Petalite and Albite Physical Properties
Solubility
insoluble
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.40
2.60-2.65
Fracture
Subconchoidal, ConchoidalWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references, Brittle, Conchoidal
Uneven, Uneven, Gems, Sixth Edition (2006), Uneven, Conchoidal
Cleavage
Perfect on {001}, poor on {201} with 38.5° angle between the two
Perfect on {001}, very good on {010}, imperfect on {110}
Mohs Hardness
6-6.5
6-6.5
Chemical Composition
LiAlSi 4O 10Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
NaAlSi 3O 8Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
Petalite and Albite Chemical Formula
While comparing Petalite and Albite 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 Petalite and Albite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Petalite- LiAlSi 4O 10Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
- Chemical formula of Albite- NaAlSi 3O 8Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
Petalite and Albite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Petalite and Albite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Petalite and Albite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Petalite is 2.60-2.65 whereas that of Albite is 2.60-2.65.