Sphalerite and Cinnabar Physical Properties
Tenacity
-
Slightly sectile
Solubility
-
1.04 x 10−25 g per 100 ml water (Ksp at 25°C = 2 x 10−32)
Specific Gravity
3.95-4.10
2
Cleavage
{110} Perfect, {110} Perfect, {110} Perfect
Prismatic {10 1 0}, perfect
Mohs Hardness
3.5-4
2-2.5
Chemical Composition
(Zn,Fe)SMichael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
HgSMichael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
Sphalerite and Cinnabar Chemical Formula
While comparing Sphalerite and Cinnabar 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 Cinnabar chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Sphalerite- (Zn,Fe)SMichael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
- Chemical formula of Cinnabar- HgSMichael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
Sphalerite and Cinnabar Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Sphalerite and Cinnabar Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Sphalerite and Cinnabar Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Sphalerite is 2 whereas that of Cinnabar is 2.