Turquoise and Steatite Physical Properties

Turquoise

Steatite

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1 Physical Properties

1.1 Tenacity

Not Available

1.2 Solubility

Soluble

Not Available

1.3 Durability

Not Available

1.4 Specific Gravity

2.30-2.902.20-2.80

1 7.18

1.5 Fracture

Conchoidal, ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), Brittle

Not Available

1.6 Cleavage

Good to perfect_usually N/A

Not Available

1.7 Mohs Hardness

5-6Not Available

2 10

1.8 Chemical Composition

CuAl₆(PO₄)₄(OH)₈ • 4H₂O

Mg 3Si 4O 10(OH) 2Gemdat.org , Management Team (2012)

Turquoise and Steatite Chemical Formula

While comparing Turquoise and Steatite 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 Turquoise and Steatite chemical formula.

Chemical formula of Turquoise- CuAl₆(PO₄)₄(OH)₈ • 4H₂O
Chemical formula of Steatite- Mg 3Si 4O 10(OH) 2Gemdat.org , Management Team (2012)

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Turquoise and Steatite Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Turquoise and Steatite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Turquoise and Steatite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Turquoise is 2.20-2.80 whereas that of Steatite is 2.20-2.80.