Taaffeite and Elbaite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Not Available
Not Available
Solubility
Not Available
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
3.60-3.61
2.90-3.10
Fracture
Conchoidal
Uneven, Conchoidal, Brittle, Uneven, ConchoidalAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001), Conchoidal, Brittle
Cleavage
Imperfect/fair/absent
Poor/indistinct on {1120} and {1011}
Chemical Composition
Mg 3Al 8BeO 16Walter Schumann , Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references
Na(Li 1.5Al 1.5)Al 6(Si 6O 18)(BO 3) 3(OH) 3(OH)Gemdat.org , Management Team (2012) More from other references
Taaffeite and Elbaite Chemical Formula
While comparing Taaffeite and Elbaite 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 Taaffeite and Elbaite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Taaffeite- Mg 3Al 8BeO 16Walter Schumann , Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references
- Chemical formula of Elbaite- Na(Li 1.5Al 1.5)Al 6(Si 6O 18)(BO 3) 3(OH) 3(OH)Gemdat.org , Management Team (2012) More from other references
Taaffeite and Elbaite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Taaffeite and Elbaite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Taaffeite and Elbaite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Taaffeite is 2.90-3.10 whereas that of Elbaite is 2.90-3.10.