Petalite and Forsterite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Brittle
Not Available
Solubility
insoluble
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.40
3.23-3.26
Fracture
Subconchoidal, ConchoidalWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references, Brittle, Conchoidal
Conchoidal, ConchoidalAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001), Conchoidal, Brittle
Cleavage
Perfect on {001}, poor on {201} with 38.5° angle between the two
Perfect on {010} imperfect on {100}
Mohs Hardness
6-6.5
6.5-7
Chemical Composition
LiAlSi 4O 10Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
Mg 2SiO 4Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
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 OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
- Chemical formula of Forsterite- Mg 2SiO 4Michael OâDonoghue , 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.