Spodumene and Steatite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Brittle
  
Not Available
  
Solubility
insoluble
  
Not Available
  
Durability
Not Available
  
Not Available
  
Specific Gravity
3.15-3.21
  
2.20-2.80
  
Fracture
Uneven, Subconchoidal, Gemstones (2009)
  
Not Available
  
Cleavage
Perfect prismatic, two directions {110} ∧ {1 1 0} at 87°
  
Not Available
  
Mohs Hardness
6-7
  
Not Available
  
Chemical Composition
LiAlSi2O6
  
Mg 3Si 4O 10(OH) 2Gemdat.org , Management Team (2012)
  
Spodumene and Steatite Chemical Formula
While comparing Spodumene and Steatite 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 Spodumene and Steatite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Spodumene- LiAlSi2O6
- Chemical formula of Steatite- Mg 3Si 4O 10(OH) 2Gemdat.org , Management Team (2012)
Spodumene and Steatite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Spodumene and Steatite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Spodumene and Steatite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Spodumene is 2.20-2.80 whereas that of Steatite is 2.20-2.80.