Sphalerite and Cuprite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Not Available
Brittle
Solubility
Not Available
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
3.95-4.10
5.85-6.15
Fracture
UnevenWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references, UnevenWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references, Uneven
Conchoidal, Metallic, UnevenArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), Brittle, Conchoidal
Cleavage
{110} Perfect, {110} Perfect, {110} Perfect
Fair in four directions forming octahedrons
Mohs Hardness
3.5-4
3.5-4
Chemical Composition
(Zn,Fe)SMichael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
Cu 2OMichael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
Sphalerite and Cuprite Chemical Formula
While comparing Sphalerite and Cuprite 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 Cuprite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Sphalerite- (Zn,Fe)SMichael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
- Chemical formula of Cuprite- Cu 2OMichael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
Sphalerite and Cuprite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Sphalerite and Cuprite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Sphalerite and Cuprite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Sphalerite is 5.85-6.15 whereas that of Cuprite is 5.85-6.15.