Steatite and Antigorite Physical Properties

Steatite and Antigorite Chemical Formula

While comparing Steatite and Antigorite 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 Antigorite chemical formula.

• Chemical formula of Steatite- Mg 3Si 4O 10(OH) 2Gemdat.org , Management Team (2012)
• Chemical formula of Antigorite- (Mg,Fe2+ ) 3Si 2O 5(OH) 4Anthony et al , Handbook of mineralogy (2001)

Steatite and Antigorite Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Steatite and Antigorite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Steatite and Antigorite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Steatite is 2.58-2.80 whereas that of Antigorite is 2.58-2.80.