Riebeckite and Esperite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Brittle
Not Available
Solubility
Not Available
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
3.28-3.44
4.28-4.42
Fracture
Uneven, Splintery, Brittle
Conchoidal, ConchoidalAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001), Brittle, Metallic
Cleavage
Perfect on {110}, intersecting at 56° and 124°; partings on {100} and {010}
Distinct on [010] and [100] poor on [101]
Mohs Hardness
5.0-6.0
5-5.5
Chemical Composition
Not Available
PbCa 3Zn 4(SiO 4) 4Anthony et al , Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
Riebeckite and Esperite Chemical Formula
While comparing Riebeckite and Esperite 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 Esperite chemical formula.
>- Chemical formula of Esperite- PbCa 3Zn 4(SiO 4) 4Anthony et al , Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
Riebeckite and Esperite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Riebeckite and Esperite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Riebeckite and Esperite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Riebeckite is 4.28-4.42 whereas that of Esperite is 4.28-4.42.