Riebeckite and Omphacite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Brittle
Not Available
Solubility
Not Available
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
3.28-3.44
3.16-3.43
Fracture
Uneven, Splintery, Brittle
Uneven, Uneven, ConchoidalAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001), Brittle, Conchoidal
Cleavage
Perfect on {110}, intersecting at 56° and 124°; partings on {100} and {010}
{110} Good, {110} Good
Mohs Hardness
5.0-6.0
5-6
Chemical Composition
Not Available
(Ca,Na)(Mg,Fe,Al)Si 2O 6Anthony et al , Handbook of Mineralogy (2001)
Riebeckite and Omphacite Chemical Formula
While comparing Riebeckite and Omphacite 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 Omphacite chemical formula.
>- Chemical formula of Omphacite- (Ca,Na)(Mg,Fe,Al)Si 2O 6Anthony et al , Handbook of Mineralogy (2001)
Riebeckite and Omphacite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Riebeckite and Omphacite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Riebeckite and Omphacite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Riebeckite is 3.16-3.43 whereas that of Omphacite is 3.16-3.43.