Pyrite and Sphalerite Physical Properties

Pyrite

Sphalerite

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Physical Properties

Tenacity

Solubility

Durability

Specific Gravity

Fracture

Cleavage

Mohs Hardness

Chemical Composition

Brittle

insoluble in water

5.00-5.20

Uneven, Conchoidal, ConchoidalWalter Schumann

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

6-6.5

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

3.95-4.10

Uneven

{110} Perfect, {110} Perfect, {110} Perfect

3.5-4

(Zn,Fe)SMichael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references

Pyrite and Sphalerite Chemical Formula

While comparing Pyrite and Sphalerite 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 Sphalerite chemical formula.

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Pyrite and Sphalerite Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Pyrite and Sphalerite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Pyrite Vs Sphalerite during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Pyrite is whereas that of Sphalerite is .