Sillimanite and Elbaite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Tough
  
Not Available
  
Solubility
Not Available
  
Not Available
  
Durability
Not Available
  
Not Available
  
Specific Gravity
3.20-3.26
  
2.90-3.10
  
Fracture
Splintery
  
Uneven, Conchoidal, Brittle, Uneven, ConchoidalAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001), Conchoidal, Brittle
  
Cleavage
{010} perfect
  
Poor/indistinct on {1120} and {1011}
  
Mohs Hardness
6-7.5
  
7
  
Chemical Composition
Al 2SiO 5Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
  
Na(Li 1.5Al 1.5)Al 6(Si 6O 18)(BO 3) 3(OH) 3(OH)Gemdat.org , Management Team (2012) More from other references
  
Sillimanite and Elbaite Chemical Formula
While comparing Sillimanite and Elbaite 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 Sillimanite and Elbaite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Sillimanite- Al 2SiO 5Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
- Chemical formula of Elbaite- Na(Li 1.5Al 1.5)Al 6(Si 6O 18)(BO 3) 3(OH) 3(OH)Gemdat.org , Management Team (2012) More from other references
Sillimanite and Elbaite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Sillimanite and Elbaite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Sillimanite and Elbaite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Sillimanite is 2.90-3.10 whereas that of Elbaite is 2.90-3.10.