Whitlockite and Faustite Physical Properties

Whitlockite and Faustite Chemical Formula

While comparing Whitlockite and Faustite 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 Faustite 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 Faustite- (Zn,Cu)Al 6(PO 4) 4(OH) 8 · 4H 2OMichael O’Donoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)

Whitlockite and Faustite Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Whitlockite and Faustite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Whitlockite and Faustite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Whitlockite is 2.9 whereas that of Faustite is 2.9.