Sillimanite and Gypsum Physical Properties
Tenacity
Tough
  
Flexible
  
Solubility
Not Available
  
Soluble
  
Durability
Not Available
  
Not Available
  
Specific Gravity
3.20-3.26
  
2.20-2.40
  
Fracture
Splintery
  
Conchoidal, Splintery, Fibrous, UnevenArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009)
  
Cleavage
{010} perfect
  
Perfect on {010}, distinct on {100}
  
Mohs Hardness
6-7.5
  
2
  
Chemical Composition
Al 2SiO 5Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
  
CaSO 4 -2(H 2O)Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
  
Sillimanite and Gypsum Chemical Formula
While comparing Sillimanite and Gypsum 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 Gypsum chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Sillimanite- Al 2SiO 5Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
- Chemical formula of Gypsum- CaSO 4 -2(H 2O)Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
Sillimanite and Gypsum Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Sillimanite and Gypsum Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Sillimanite and Gypsum Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Sillimanite is 2.20-2.40 whereas that of Gypsum is 2.20-2.40.