Phenakite and Purpurite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Brittle
Not Available
Solubility
Not Available
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.90-2.98
3.2-3.4
Fracture
Conchoidal, ConchoidalWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001), Brittle
Uneven, UnevenArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), Brittle
Cleavage
Distinct on {11 2 0}, imperfect on {10 1 1}
[100] [001] perfect
Mohs Hardness
7.5-8
4-4.5
Chemical Composition
Be 2SiO 4Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
MnPO 4Walter Schumann , Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references
Phenakite and Purpurite Chemical Formula
While comparing Phenakite and Purpurite 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 Purpurite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Phenakite- Be 2SiO 4Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
- Chemical formula of Purpurite- MnPO 4Walter Schumann , Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references
Phenakite and Purpurite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Phenakite and Purpurite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Phenakite and Purpurite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Phenakite is 3.2-3.4 whereas that of Purpurite is 3.2-3.4.