Zircon and Moonstone Physical Properties

Zircon

Moonstone

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1 Physical Properties

1.1 Tenacity

Brittle

Not Available

1.2 Solubility

insoluble

Not Available

1.3 Durability

Not Available

1.4 Specific Gravity

3.93-4.73

2.56-2.60

1.5 Fracture

Conchoidal, Uneven, ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009)

Uneven, Uneven, ConchoidalWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)

1.6 Cleavage

{110} and {111}

2,1 basal ; 2,1 prismatic ; 3,1 pinacoidal

1.7 Mohs Hardness

7.5

6-6.5

1.8 Chemical Composition

ZrSiO₄

Plagioclase Feldspar s: (Na,Ca)Al_1-2Si_3-2O₈ Orthoclase Feldspar : KAlSi₃O₈

Zircon and Moonstone Chemical Formula

While comparing Zircon and Moonstone 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 Moonstone chemical formula.

Chemical formula of Zircon- ZrSiO₄
Chemical formula of Moonstone- Plagioclase Feldspar s: (Na,Ca)Al_1-2Si_3-2O₈ Orthoclase Feldspar : KAlSi₃O₈

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Zircon and Moonstone Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Zircon and Moonstone Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Zircon and Moonstone Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Zircon is 2.56-2.60 whereas that of Moonstone is 2.56-2.60.