Tourmaline and Alexandrite Physical Properties

Tourmaline

Alexandrite

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1 Physical Properties

1.1 Tenacity

Not Available

1.2 Solubility

Not Available

1.3 Durability

Not Available

1.4 Specific Gravity

2.85-3.353.69-3.81

1 7.18

1.5 Fracture

Uneven, Conchoidal, ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009)

Not Available

1.6 Cleavage

Indistinct

1,1 ; 3,2.

1.7 Mohs Hardness

7-7.58.5

2 10

1.8 Chemical Composition

Tourmaline is a series of several different minerals with unique chemical formulas. See The chemical formula of Tourmaline for details.

BeAl ₂ O ₄

Tourmaline and Alexandrite Chemical Formula

While comparing Tourmaline and Alexandrite 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 Tourmaline and Alexandrite chemical formula.

Chemical formula of Tourmaline- Tourmaline is a series of several different minerals with unique chemical formulas. See The chemical formula of Tourmaline for details.
Chemical formula of Alexandrite- BeAl ₂ O ₄

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Tourmaline and Alexandrite Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Tourmaline and Alexandrite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Tourmaline and Alexandrite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Tourmaline is 3.69-3.81 whereas that of Alexandrite is 3.69-3.81.