Petalite and Forsterite Physical Properties

Petalite and Forsterite Chemical Formula

While comparing Petalite and Forsterite 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 Forsterite chemical formula.

• Chemical formula of Petalite- LiAlSi 4O 10Michael O’Donoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
• Chemical formula of Forsterite- Mg 2SiO 4Michael O’Donoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)

Petalite and Forsterite Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Petalite and Forsterite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Petalite and Forsterite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Petalite is 3.23-3.26 whereas that of Forsterite is 3.23-3.26.