Sillimanite and Forsterite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Tough
Not Available
Solubility
Not Available
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
3.20-3.26
3.23-3.26
Fracture
Splintery
Conchoidal, ConchoidalAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001), Conchoidal, Brittle
Cleavage
{010} perfect
Perfect on {010} imperfect on {100}
Mohs Hardness
6-7.5
6.5-7
Chemical Composition
Al 2SiO 5Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
Mg 2SiO 4Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
Sillimanite and Forsterite Chemical Formula
While comparing Sillimanite and Forsterite 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 Forsterite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Sillimanite- Al 2SiO 5Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
- Chemical formula of Forsterite- Mg 2SiO 4Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
Sillimanite and Forsterite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Sillimanite and Forsterite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Sillimanite and Forsterite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Sillimanite is 3.23-3.26 whereas that of Forsterite is 3.23-3.26.