Phenakite and Afghanite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Brittle
Not Available
Solubility
Not Available
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.90-2.98
2.55-2.65
Fracture
Conchoidal, ConchoidalWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001), Brittle
Conchoidal, ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), Conchoidal, Brittle, Conchoidal, Brittle
Cleavage
Distinct on {11 2 0}, imperfect on {10 1 1}
Perfect {10 1 0}
Mohs Hardness
7.5-8
5.5-6
Chemical Composition
Be 2SiO 4Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
(Na,Ca,K) 8(Si,Al) 12O 24(SO 4,Cl,CO 3) 3(H 2O)Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
Phenakite and Afghanite Chemical Formula
While comparing Phenakite and Afghanite 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 Phenakite and Afghanite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Phenakite- Be 2SiO 4Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
- Chemical formula of Afghanite- (Na,Ca,K) 8(Si,Al) 12O 24(SO 4,Cl,CO 3) 3(H 2O)Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
Phenakite and Afghanite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Phenakite and Afghanite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Phenakite and Afghanite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Phenakite is 2.55-2.65 whereas that of Afghanite is 2.55-2.65.