Rhodochrosite and Purpurite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Brittle
  
Not Available
  
Solubility
Not Available
  
Not Available
  
Durability
Not Available
  
Not Available
  
Specific Gravity
3.0-3.3
  
3.2-3.4
  
Fracture
Uneven, Conchoidal, Conchoidal to uneven, Brittle
  
Uneven, UnevenArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), Brittle
  
Cleavage
On {10 1 1} perfect; parting on {10 1 2}
  
[100] [001] perfect
  
Mohs Hardness
3.5-4
  
4-4.5
  
Chemical Composition
MnCO3
  
MnPO 4Walter Schumann , Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references
  
Rhodochrosite and Purpurite Chemical Formula
While comparing Rhodochrosite 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 Rhodochrosite and Purpurite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Rhodochrosite- MnCO3
- Chemical formula of Purpurite- MnPO 4Walter Schumann , Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references
Rhodochrosite and Purpurite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Rhodochrosite and Purpurite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Rhodochrosite and Purpurite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Rhodochrosite is 3.2-3.4 whereas that of Purpurite is 3.2-3.4.