Petalite and Elbaite Physical Properties

Petalite

Elbaite

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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

2.402.90-3.10

1 7.18

1.5 Fracture

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

Uneven, Conchoidal, Brittle, Uneven, ConchoidalAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001), Conchoidal, Brittle

1.6 Cleavage

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

Poor/indistinct on {1120} and {1011}

1.7 Mohs Hardness

6-6.57

2 10

1.8 Chemical Composition

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

Na(Li 1.5Al 1.5)Al 6(Si 6O 18)(BO 3) 3(OH) 3(OH)Gemdat.org , Management Team (2012) More from other references

Petalite and Elbaite Chemical Formula

While comparing Petalite and Elbaite 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 Elbaite chemical formula.

Chemical formula of Petalite- LiAlSi 4O 10Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
Chemical formula of Elbaite- Na(Li 1.5Al 1.5)Al 6(Si 6O 18)(BO 3) 3(OH) 3(OH)Gemdat.org , Management Team (2012) More from other references

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Petalite and Elbaite Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Petalite and Elbaite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Petalite and Elbaite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Petalite is 2.90-3.10 whereas that of Elbaite is 2.90-3.10.