Spodumene and Sunstone Physical Properties

Spodumene

Sunstone

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1 Physical Properties

1.1 Tenacity

Brittle

Not Available

1.2 Solubility

insoluble

Not Available

1.3 Durability

Not Available

1.4 Specific Gravity

3.15-3.212.62-2.65

1 7.18

1.5 Fracture

Uneven, Subconchoidal, Gemstones (2009)

Gemstones of the world (2001)

1.6 Cleavage

Perfect prismatic, two directions {110} ∧ {1 1 0} at 87°

001

1.7 Mohs Hardness

6-76

2 10

1.8 Chemical Composition

LiAlSi₂O₆

Microcline: KAlSi₃O₈ Oligoclase: (Na,Ca)Al_1-2Si_3-2O₈

Spodumene and Sunstone Chemical Formula

While comparing Spodumene and Sunstone 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 Sunstone chemical formula.

Chemical formula of Spodumene- LiAlSi₂O₆
Chemical formula of Sunstone- Microcline: KAlSi₃O₈ Oligoclase: (Na,Ca)Al_1-2Si_3-2O₈

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Spodumene and Sunstone Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Spodumene and Sunstone Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Spodumene and Sunstone Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Spodumene is 2.62-2.65 whereas that of Sunstone is 2.62-2.65.