Riebeckite and Afghanite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Brittle
Not Available
Solubility
Not Available
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
3.28-3.44
2.55-2.65
Fracture
Uneven, Splintery, Brittle
Conchoidal, ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), Conchoidal, Brittle, Conchoidal, Brittle
Cleavage
Perfect on {110}, intersecting at 56° and 124°; partings on {100} and {010}
Perfect {10 1 0}
Mohs Hardness
5.0-6.0
5.5-6
Chemical Composition
Not Available
(Na,Ca,K) 8(Si,Al) 12O 24(SO 4,Cl,CO 3) 3(H 2O)Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
Riebeckite and Afghanite Chemical Formula
While comparing Riebeckite and Afghanite 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 Riebeckite and Afghanite chemical formula.
>- Chemical formula of Afghanite- (Na,Ca,K) 8(Si,Al) 12O 24(SO 4,Cl,CO 3) 3(H 2O)Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
Riebeckite and Afghanite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Riebeckite and Afghanite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Riebeckite and Afghanite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Riebeckite is 2.55-2.65 whereas that of Afghanite is 2.55-2.65.