Pyrite and Anhydrite Physical Properties

Pyrite

Anhydrite

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Physical Properties

Tenacity

Brittle

Solubility

insoluble in water

Durability

Specific Gravity

5.00-5.202.90-2.98

1 7.18

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Fracture

Uneven, Conchoidal, ConchoidalWalter Schumann

Conchoidal

Cleavage

Indistinct on {001}; partings on {011} and {111}

Rare tabular and prismatic crystals. Usually occurs as fibrous, parallel veins that break off into cleavage fragments.

Mohs Hardness

6-6.53.5

2 10

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Chemical Composition

FeS 2Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references

CaSO 4Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth edition (2006) More from other references

Pyrite and Anhydrite Chemical Formula

While comparing Pyrite and Anhydrite 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 Pyrite and Anhydrite chemical formula.

Chemical formula of Pyrite- FeS 2Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
Chemical formula of Anhydrite- CaSO 4Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth edition (2006) More from other references

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Pyrite and Anhydrite Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Pyrite and Anhydrite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Pyrite and Anhydrite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Pyrite is 2.90-2.98 whereas that of Anhydrite is 2.90-2.98.