Steatite and Painite Physical Properties

Steatite and Painite Chemical Formula

While comparing Steatite and Painite 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 Painite chemical formula.

• Chemical formula of Steatite- Mg 3Si 4O 10(OH) 2Gemdat.org , Management Team (2012)
• Chemical formula of Painite- CaZrBAl 9O 18Michael O’Donoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references

Steatite and Painite Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Steatite and Painite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Steatite and Painite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Steatite is 4.00-4.03 whereas that of Painite is 4.00-4.03.