Tourmaline and Zircon Physical Properties

Tourmaline

Zircon

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1 Physical Properties

1.1 Tenacity

Not Available

Brittle

1.2 Solubility

Not Available

insoluble

1.3 Durability

Not Available

1.4 Specific Gravity

2.85-3.35

3.93-4.73

1.5 Fracture

Uneven, Conchoidal, ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009)

Conchoidal, Uneven, ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009)

1.6 Cleavage

Indistinct

{110} and {111}

1.7 Mohs Hardness

7-7.5

7.5

1.8 Chemical Composition

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

ZrSiO₄

Tourmaline and Zircon Chemical Formula

While comparing Tourmaline and Zircon 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 Zircon 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 Zircon- ZrSiO₄

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Tourmaline and Zircon Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Tourmaline and Zircon Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Tourmaline and Zircon Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Tourmaline is 3.93-4.73 whereas that of Zircon is 3.93-4.73.