Tanzanite and Afghanite Physical Properties

Tanzanite

Afghanite

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1 Physical Properties

1.1 Tenacity

Not Available

1.2 Solubility

Not Available

1.3 Durability

Hard

Not Available

1.4 Specific Gravity

3.35

2.55-2.65

1.5 Fracture

Uneven, Conchoidal, UnevenWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)

Conchoidal, ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), Conchoidal, Brittle, Conchoidal, Brittle

1.6 Cleavage

Perfect {010}, imperfect {100}

Perfect {10 1 0}

1.7 Mohs Hardness

6.5-7

5.5-6

1.8 Chemical Composition

Ca₂Al₃(SiO₄)₃(OH)

(Na,Ca,K) 8(Si,Al) 12O 24(SO 4,Cl,CO 3) 3(H 2O)Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)

Tanzanite and Afghanite Chemical Formula

While comparing Tanzanite and Afghanite 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 Tanzanite and Afghanite chemical formula.

Chemical formula of Tanzanite- Ca₂Al₃(SiO₄)₃(OH)
Chemical formula of Afghanite- (Na,Ca,K) 8(Si,Al) 12O 24(SO 4,Cl,CO 3) 3(H 2O)Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)

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Tanzanite and Afghanite Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Tanzanite and Afghanite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Tanzanite and Afghanite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Tanzanite is 2.55-2.65 whereas that of Afghanite is 2.55-2.65.