Sphalerite and Pyrite Physical Properties

Sphalerite

Pyrite

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Physical Properties

Tenacity

Brittle

Solubility

insoluble in water

Durability

Specific Gravity

3.95-4.105.00-5.20

1 7.18

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Fracture

Uneven

Uneven, Conchoidal, ConchoidalWalter Schumann

Cleavage

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

Indistinct on {001}; partings on {011} and {111}

Mohs Hardness

3.5-46-6.5

2 10

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Chemical Composition

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

FeS 2Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references

Sphalerite and Pyrite Chemical Formula

While comparing Sphalerite and Pyrite 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 Pyrite chemical formula.

Chemical formula of Sphalerite- (Zn,Fe)SMichael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
Chemical formula of Pyrite- FeS 2Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references

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Sphalerite and Pyrite Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Sphalerite and Pyrite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Sphalerite and Pyrite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Sphalerite is 5.00-5.20 whereas that of Pyrite is 5.00-5.20.