Sphalerite and Pyrite Physical Properties
Solubility
-
insoluble in water
Specific Gravity
3.95-4.10
5.00-5.20
Fracture
Uneven
Uneven, Conchoidal, ConchoidalWalter Schumann
Cleavage
{110} Perfect, {110} Perfect, {110} Perfect
Indistinct on {001}; partings on {011} and {111}
Mohs Hardness
3.5-4
6-6.5
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
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.