Sodalite and Afghanite Physical Properties

Sodalite

Afghanite

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1 Physical Properties

1.1 Tenacity

Brittle

Not Available

1.2 Solubility

Soluble

Not Available

1.3 Durability

Not Available

1.4 Specific Gravity

2.15-2.40

2.55-2.65

1.5 Fracture

Conchoidal, Uneven, UnevenArthur Thomas, Brittle

Conchoidal, ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), Conchoidal, Brittle, Conchoidal, Brittle

1.6 Cleavage

Poor on {110}

Perfect {10 1 0}

1.7 Mohs Hardness

5-6

5.5-6

1.8 Chemical Composition

Na₈Al₆Si₆O₂₄Cl₂

(Na,Ca,K) 8(Si,Al) 12O 24(SO 4,Cl,CO 3) 3(H 2O)Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)

Sodalite and Afghanite Chemical Formula

While comparing Sodalite 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 Sodalite and Afghanite chemical formula.

Chemical formula of Sodalite- Na₈Al₆Si₆O₂₄Cl₂
Chemical formula of Afghanite- (Na,Ca,K) 8(Si,Al) 12O 24(SO 4,Cl,CO 3) 3(H 2O)Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)

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Sodalite and Afghanite Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Sodalite and Afghanite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Sodalite and Afghanite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Sodalite is 2.55-2.65 whereas that of Afghanite is 2.55-2.65.