Rhodochrosite and Gypsum Physical Properties
Tenacity
Brittle
  
Flexible
  
Solubility
Not Available
  
Soluble
  
Durability
Not Available
  
Not Available
  
Specific Gravity
3.0-3.3
  
2.20-2.40
  
Fracture
Uneven, Conchoidal, Conchoidal to uneven, Brittle
  
Conchoidal, Splintery, Fibrous, UnevenArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009)
  
Cleavage
On {10 1 1} perfect; parting on {10 1 2}
  
Perfect on {010}, distinct on {100}
  
Mohs Hardness
3.5-4
  
2
  
Chemical Composition
MnCO3
  
CaSO 4 -2(H 2O)Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
  
Rhodochrosite and Gypsum Chemical Formula
While comparing Rhodochrosite and Gypsum 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 Rhodochrosite and Gypsum chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Rhodochrosite- MnCO3
- Chemical formula of Gypsum- CaSO 4 -2(H 2O)Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
Rhodochrosite and Gypsum Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Rhodochrosite and Gypsum Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Rhodochrosite and Gypsum Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Rhodochrosite is 2.20-2.40 whereas that of Gypsum is 2.20-2.40.