Steatite and Periclase Physical Properties
Tenacity
Not Available
  
Brittle
  
Solubility
Not Available
  
Not Available
  
Durability
Not Available
  
Not Available
  
Specific Gravity
2.20-2.80
  
3.7-3.9
  
Fracture
Not Available
  
Conchoidal, Brittle
  
Cleavage
Not Available
  
{001} perfect; {111} imperfect, may exhibit parting on , {011}
  
Mohs Hardness
Not Available
  
5.5-6
  
Chemical Composition
Mg 3Si 4O 10(OH) 2Gemdat.org , Management Team (2012)
  
MgOMichael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
  
Steatite and Periclase Chemical Formula
While comparing Steatite and Periclase 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 Periclase chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Steatite- Mg 3Si 4O 10(OH) 2Gemdat.org , Management Team (2012)
- Chemical formula of Periclase- MgOMichael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
Steatite and Periclase Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Steatite and Periclase Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Steatite and Periclase Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Steatite is 3.7-3.9 whereas that of Periclase is 3.7-3.9.