Steatite and Forsterite Physical Properties

Steatite

Forsterite

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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

2.20-2.803.23-3.26

1 7.18

1.5 Fracture

Not Available

Conchoidal, ConchoidalAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001), Conchoidal, Brittle

1.6 Cleavage

Not Available

Perfect on {010} imperfect on {100}

1.7 Mohs Hardness

Not Available6.5-7

2 10

1.8 Chemical Composition

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

Mg 2SiO 4Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)

Steatite and Forsterite Chemical Formula

While comparing Steatite and Forsterite 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 Forsterite chemical formula.

Chemical formula of Steatite- Mg 3Si 4O 10(OH) 2Gemdat.org , Management Team (2012)
Chemical formula of Forsterite- Mg 2SiO 4Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)

Compare Green Gemstones

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Steatite Vs Tourmaline

Steatite and Forsterite Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Steatite and Forsterite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Steatite and Forsterite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Steatite is 3.23-3.26 whereas that of Forsterite is 3.23-3.26.