Steatite and Serpentine Physical Properties

Steatite and Serpentine Chemical Formula

While comparing Steatite and Serpentine 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 Serpentine chemical formula.

• Chemical formula of Steatite- Mg 3Si 4O 10(OH) 2Gemdat.org , Management Team (2012)
• Chemical formula of Serpentine- H 4Mg 3Si 2O 9Walter Schumann , Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references

Steatite and Serpentine Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Steatite and Serpentine Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Steatite and Serpentine Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Steatite is 2.44-2.62 whereas that of Serpentine is 2.44-2.62.