Sphalerite and Taaffeite Physical Properties
Specific Gravity
3.95-4.10
3.60-3.61
Fracture
Uneven
Conchoidal
Cleavage
{110} Perfect, {110} Perfect, {110} Perfect
Imperfect/fair/absent
Mohs Hardness
3.5-4
8-8.5
Chemical Composition
(Zn,Fe)SMichael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
Mg 3Al 8BeO 16Walter Schumann , Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references
Sphalerite and Taaffeite Chemical Formula
While comparing Sphalerite and Taaffeite 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 Taaffeite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Sphalerite- (Zn,Fe)SMichael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
- Chemical formula of Taaffeite- Mg 3Al 8BeO 16Walter Schumann , Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references
Sphalerite and Taaffeite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Sphalerite and Taaffeite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Sphalerite and Taaffeite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Sphalerite is 3.60-3.61 whereas that of Taaffeite is 3.60-3.61.