Sphalerite and Austinite Physical Properties

Sphalerite

Austinite

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Physical Properties

Tenacity

Brittle

Solubility

Easily soluble in cold dilute HCl

Durability

Specific Gravity

3.95-4.104.12

1 7.18

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Fracture

Uneven

Cleavage

{110} Perfect, {110} Perfect, {110} Perfect

Good in two directions parallel to the prism faces {110}

Mohs Hardness

3.5-44-4.5

2 10

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Chemical Composition

(Zn,Fe)SMichael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references

CaZn(AsO4)(OH)

Sphalerite and Austinite Chemical Formula

While comparing Sphalerite and Austinite 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 Sphalerite and Austinite chemical formula.

Chemical formula of Sphalerite- (Zn,Fe)SMichael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
Chemical formula of Austinite- CaZn(AsO4)(OH)

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Sphalerite and Austinite Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Sphalerite and Austinite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Sphalerite and Austinite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Sphalerite is 4.12 whereas that of Austinite is 4.12.