Steatite and Petalite Physical Properties

Steatite

Petalite

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1 Physical Properties

1.1 Tenacity

Not Available

Brittle

1.2 Solubility

Not Available

insoluble

1.3 Durability

Not Available

1.4 Specific Gravity

2.20-2.802.40

1 7.18

1.5 Fracture

Not Available

Subconchoidal, ConchoidalWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references, Brittle, Conchoidal

1.6 Cleavage

Not Available

Perfect on {001}, poor on {201} with 38.5° angle between the two

1.7 Mohs Hardness

Not Available6-6.5

2 10

1.8 Chemical Composition

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

LiAlSi 4O 10Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references

Steatite and Petalite Chemical Formula

While comparing Steatite and Petalite 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 Petalite chemical formula.

Chemical formula of Steatite- Mg 3Si 4O 10(OH) 2Gemdat.org , Management Team (2012)
Chemical formula of Petalite- LiAlSi 4O 10Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references

Compare Green Gemstones

Steatite Vs Topaz

Steatite Vs Tortoiseshell

Steatite Vs Tourmaline

Steatite and Petalite Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Steatite and Petalite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Steatite and Petalite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Steatite is 2.40 whereas that of Petalite is 2.40.