Steatite and Spodumene Physical Properties

Steatite

Spodumene

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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

2.20-2.803.15-3.21

1 7.18

1.5 Fracture

Not Available

Uneven, Subconchoidal, Gemstones (2009)

1.6 Cleavage

Not Available

Perfect prismatic, two directions {110} ∧ {1 1 0} at 87°

1.7 Mohs Hardness

Not Available6-7

2 10

1.8 Chemical Composition

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

LiAlSi₂O₆

Steatite and Spodumene Chemical Formula

While comparing Steatite and Spodumene 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 Spodumene chemical formula.

Chemical formula of Steatite- Mg 3Si 4O 10(OH) 2Gemdat.org , Management Team (2012)
Chemical formula of Spodumene- LiAlSi₂O₆

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Steatite and Spodumene Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Steatite and Spodumene Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Steatite and Spodumene Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Steatite is 3.15-3.21 whereas that of Spodumene is 3.15-3.21.