Petalite and Elbaite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Brittle
Not Available
Solubility
insoluble
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.40
2.90-3.10
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
Cleavage
Perfect on {001}, poor on {201} with 38.5° angle between the two
Poor/indistinct on {1120} and {1011}
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
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.