Steatite and Elbaite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Not Available
Not Available
Solubility
Not Available
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.20-2.80
2.90-3.10
Fracture
Not Available
Uneven, Conchoidal, Brittle, Uneven, ConchoidalAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001), Conchoidal, Brittle
Cleavage
Not Available
Poor/indistinct on {1120} and {1011}
Mohs Hardness
Not Available
7
Chemical Composition
Mg 3Si 4O 10(OH) 2Gemdat.org , Management Team (2012)
Na(Li 1.5Al 1.5)Al 6(Si 6O 18)(BO 3) 3(OH) 3(OH)Gemdat.org , Management Team (2012) More from other references
Steatite and Elbaite Chemical Formula
While comparing Steatite and Elbaite 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 Elbaite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Steatite- Mg 3Si 4O 10(OH) 2Gemdat.org , Management Team (2012)
- Chemical formula of Elbaite- Na(Li 1.5Al 1.5)Al 6(Si 6O 18)(BO 3) 3(OH) 3(OH)Gemdat.org , Management Team (2012) More from other references
Steatite and Elbaite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Steatite and Elbaite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Steatite and Elbaite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Steatite is 2.90-3.10 whereas that of Elbaite is 2.90-3.10.