Sunstone and Albite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Not Available
Brittle
Solubility
Not Available
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.62-2.65
2.60-2.65
Fracture
Gemstones of the world (2001)
Uneven, Uneven, Gems, Sixth Edition (2006), Uneven, Conchoidal
Cleavage
001
Perfect on {001}, very good on {010}, imperfect on {110}
Chemical Composition
Microcline: KAlSi3O8 Oligoclase: (Na,Ca)Al1-2Si3-2O8
NaAlSi 3O 8Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
Sunstone and Albite Chemical Formula
While comparing Sunstone and Albite 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 Sunstone and Albite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Sunstone- Microcline: KAlSi3O8 Oligoclase: (Na,Ca)Al1-2Si3-2O8
- Chemical formula of Albite- NaAlSi 3O 8Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
Sunstone and Albite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Sunstone and Albite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Sunstone and Albite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Sunstone is 2.60-2.65 whereas that of Albite is 2.60-2.65.