Petalite and Alexandrite Physical Properties

Petalite

Alexandrite

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1 Physical Properties

1.1 Tenacity

Brittle

Not Available

1.2 Solubility

insoluble

Not Available

1.3 Durability

Not Available

1.4 Specific Gravity

2.40

3.69-3.81

1.5 Fracture

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

Not Available

1.6 Cleavage

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

1,1 ; 3,2.

1.7 Mohs Hardness

6-6.5

8.5

1.8 Chemical Composition

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

BeAl ₂ O ₄

Petalite and Alexandrite Chemical Formula

While comparing Petalite and Alexandrite 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 Alexandrite chemical formula.

Chemical formula of Petalite- LiAlSi 4O 10Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
Chemical formula of Alexandrite- BeAl ₂ O ₄

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Petalite and Alexandrite Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Petalite and Alexandrite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Petalite and Alexandrite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Petalite is 3.69-3.81 whereas that of Alexandrite is 3.69-3.81.