Sphalerite and Petalite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Not Available
Brittle
Solubility
Not Available
insoluble
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
3.95-4.10
2.40
Fracture
UnevenWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references, UnevenWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references, Uneven
Subconchoidal, ConchoidalWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references, Brittle, Conchoidal
Cleavage
{110} Perfect, {110} Perfect, {110} Perfect
Perfect on {001}, poor on {201} with 38.5° angle between the two
Mohs Hardness
3.5-4
6-6.5
Chemical Composition
(Zn,Fe)SMichael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
LiAlSi 4O 10Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
Sphalerite and Petalite Chemical Formula
While comparing Sphalerite and Petalite 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 Petalite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Sphalerite- (Zn,Fe)SMichael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
- Chemical formula of Petalite- LiAlSi 4O 10Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
Sphalerite and Petalite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Sphalerite and Petalite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Sphalerite and Petalite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Sphalerite is 2.40 whereas that of Petalite is 2.40.