Whitlockite and Afghanite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Not Available
Not Available
Solubility
Not Available
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
3.12
2.55-2.65
Fracture
Uneven, Uneven, ConchoidalAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001), Brittle
Conchoidal, ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), Conchoidal, Brittle, Conchoidal, Brittle
Cleavage
None
Perfect {10 1 0}
Mohs Hardness
Not Available
5.5-6
Chemical Composition
Ca 9(Mg,Fe2+ )(PO 4) 6(PO 3OH)Anthony et al , Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
(Na,Ca,K) 8(Si,Al) 12O 24(SO 4,Cl,CO 3) 3(H 2O)Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
Whitlockite and Afghanite Chemical Formula
While comparing Whitlockite 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 Whitlockite and Afghanite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Whitlockite- Ca 9(Mg,Fe2+ )(PO 4) 6(PO 3OH)Anthony et al , Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
- Chemical formula of Afghanite- (Na,Ca,K) 8(Si,Al) 12O 24(SO 4,Cl,CO 3) 3(H 2O)Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
Whitlockite and Afghanite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Whitlockite and Afghanite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Whitlockite and Afghanite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Whitlockite is 2.55-2.65 whereas that of Afghanite is 2.55-2.65.