Steatite and Afghanite Physical Properties

Steatite

Afghanite

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1 Physical Properties

1.1 Tenacity

Not Available

1.2 Solubility

Not Available

1.3 Durability

Not Available

1.4 Specific Gravity

2.20-2.802.55-2.65

1 7.18

1.5 Fracture

Not Available

Conchoidal, ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), Conchoidal, Brittle, Conchoidal, Brittle

1.6 Cleavage

Not Available

Perfect {10 1 0}

1.7 Mohs Hardness

Not Available5.5-6

2 10

1.8 Chemical Composition

Mg 3Si 4O 10(OH) 2Gemdat.org , Management Team (2012)

(Na,Ca,K) 8(Si,Al) 12O 24(SO 4,Cl,CO 3) 3(H 2O)Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)

Steatite and Afghanite Chemical Formula

While comparing Steatite and Afghanite 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 Steatite and Afghanite chemical formula.

Chemical formula of Steatite- Mg 3Si 4O 10(OH) 2Gemdat.org , Management Team (2012)
Chemical formula of Afghanite- (Na,Ca,K) 8(Si,Al) 12O 24(SO 4,Cl,CO 3) 3(H 2O)Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)

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Steatite and Afghanite Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Steatite and Afghanite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Steatite and Afghanite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Steatite is 2.55-2.65 whereas that of Afghanite is 2.55-2.65.