Zircon and Afghanite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Brittle
Not Available
Solubility
insoluble
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
3.93-4.73
2.55-2.65
Fracture
Conchoidal, Uneven, ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009)
Conchoidal, ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), Conchoidal, Brittle, Conchoidal, Brittle
Cleavage
{110} and {111}
Perfect {10 1 0}
Chemical Composition
ZrSiO4
(Na,Ca,K) 8(Si,Al) 12O 24(SO 4,Cl,CO 3) 3(H 2O)Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
Zircon and Afghanite Chemical Formula
While comparing Zircon 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 Zircon and Afghanite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Zircon- ZrSiO4
- Chemical formula of Afghanite- (Na,Ca,K) 8(Si,Al) 12O 24(SO 4,Cl,CO 3) 3(H 2O)Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
Zircon and Afghanite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Zircon and Afghanite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Zircon and Afghanite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Zircon is 2.55-2.65 whereas that of Afghanite is 2.55-2.65.