Sphalerite and Covellite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Not Available
Flexible
Solubility
Not Available
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
3.95-4.10
4.6-4.76
Fracture
UnevenWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references, UnevenWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references, Uneven
Gemstones (2009), UnevenArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), Brittle, Metallic
Cleavage
{110} Perfect, {110} Perfect, {110} Perfect
Perfect on {0001}
Mohs Hardness
3.5-4
Not Available
Chemical Composition
(Zn,Fe)SMichael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
CuSMichael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth edition (2006) More from other references
Sphalerite and Covellite Chemical Formula
While comparing Sphalerite and Covellite 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 Covellite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Sphalerite- (Zn,Fe)SMichael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
- Chemical formula of Covellite- CuSMichael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth edition (2006) More from other references
Sphalerite and Covellite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Sphalerite and Covellite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Sphalerite and Covellite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Sphalerite is 4.6-4.76 whereas that of Covellite is 4.6-4.76.