Petalite and Moldavite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Brittle
  
Not Available
  
Solubility
insoluble
  
Not Available
  
Durability
Not Available
  
Not Available
  
Specific Gravity
2.40
  
2.32-2.38
  
Fracture
Subconchoidal, ConchoidalWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references, Brittle, Conchoidal
  
ConchoidalWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001), ConchoidalWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
  
Cleavage
Perfect on {001}, poor on {201} with 38.5° angle between the two
  
Not Available
  
Mohs Hardness
6-6.5
  
5.5
  
Chemical Composition
LiAlSi 4O 10Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
  
SiO 2(+Al 2O 3)Walter Schumann , Gemstones of the world (2001)
  
Petalite and Moldavite Chemical Formula
While comparing Petalite and Moldavite 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 Moldavite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Petalite- LiAlSi 4O 10Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
- Chemical formula of Moldavite- SiO 2(+Al 2O 3)Walter Schumann , Gemstones of the world (2001)
Petalite and Moldavite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Petalite and Moldavite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Petalite and Moldavite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Petalite is 2.32-2.38 whereas that of Moldavite is 2.32-2.38.