Whitlockite and Bastnasite Physical Properties

Whitlockite and Bastnasite Chemical Formula

While comparing Whitlockite and Bastnasite 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 Bastnasite 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 Bastnasite- (Ce,La)(CO 3)FMichael O’Donoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references

Whitlockite and Bastnasite Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Whitlockite and Bastnasite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Whitlockite and Bastnasite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Whitlockite is 4.95-5.0 whereas that of Bastnasite is 4.95-5.0.