Sunstone and Petalite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Not Available
Brittle
Solubility
Not Available
insoluble
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.62-2.65
2.40
Fracture
Gemstones of the world (2001)
Subconchoidal, ConchoidalWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references, Brittle, Conchoidal
Cleavage
001
Perfect on {001}, poor on {201} with 38.5° angle between the two
Chemical Composition
Microcline: KAlSi3O8 Oligoclase: (Na,Ca)Al1-2Si3-2O8
LiAlSi 4O 10Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
Sunstone and Petalite Chemical Formula
While comparing Sunstone 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 Sunstone and Petalite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Sunstone- Microcline: KAlSi3O8 Oligoclase: (Na,Ca)Al1-2Si3-2O8
- Chemical formula of Petalite- LiAlSi 4O 10Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
Sunstone and Petalite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Sunstone and Petalite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Sunstone and Petalite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Sunstone is 2.40 whereas that of Petalite is 2.40.