Steatite and Forsterite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Not Available
Not Available
Solubility
Not Available
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.20-2.80
3.23-3.26
Fracture
Not Available
Conchoidal, ConchoidalAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001), Conchoidal, Brittle
Cleavage
Not Available
Perfect on {010} imperfect on {100}
Mohs Hardness
Not Available
6.5-7
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)
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.