Scolecite and Afghanite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Brittle
Not Available
Solubility
Soluble
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.20-2.23
2.55-2.65
Fracture
Irregular/uneven, UnevenAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001), Brittle, Uneven
Conchoidal, ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), Conchoidal, Brittle, Conchoidal, Brittle
Cleavage
Perfect on {110} and {1 1 0}
Perfect {10 1 0}
Mohs Hardness
5-5.5
5.5-6
Chemical Composition
CaAl 2Si 3O 10 · 3H 2OUlrich Henn and Claudio C.
(Na,Ca,K) 8(Si,Al) 12O 24(SO 4,Cl,CO 3) 3(H 2O)Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
Scolecite and Afghanite Chemical Formula
While comparing Scolecite 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 Scolecite and Afghanite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Scolecite- CaAl 2Si 3O 10 · 3H 2OUlrich Henn and Claudio C.
- Chemical formula of Afghanite- (Na,Ca,K) 8(Si,Al) 12O 24(SO 4,Cl,CO 3) 3(H 2O)Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
Scolecite and Afghanite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Scolecite and Afghanite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Scolecite and Afghanite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Scolecite is 2.55-2.65 whereas that of Afghanite is 2.55-2.65.