Petalite and Orthoclase Physical Properties

Petalite

Orthoclase

Add ⊕

1 Physical Properties

1.1 Tenacity

Brittle

Not Available

1.2 Solubility

insoluble

Not Available

1.3 Durability

Not Available

1.4 Specific Gravity

2.40

2.54-2.61

1.5 Fracture

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

Gems, Uneven

1.6 Cleavage

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

Has perfect cleavage on {001} and good cleavage on {010}. Cleavages intersect at 90°.

1.7 Mohs Hardness

6-6.5

1.8 Chemical Composition

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

KAlSi 3O 8Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references

Petalite and Orthoclase Chemical Formula

While comparing Petalite and Orthoclase 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 Orthoclase chemical formula.

Chemical formula of Petalite- LiAlSi 4O 10Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
Chemical formula of Orthoclase- KAlSi 3O 8Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references

Compare Gems Found In Australia

Petalite Vs Scheelite

Petalite Vs Scolecite

Petalite Vs Sapphire

Petalite and Orthoclase Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Petalite and Orthoclase Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Petalite and Orthoclase Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Petalite is 2.54-2.61 whereas that of Orthoclase is 2.54-2.61.