Zoisite and Afghanite Physical Properties

Zoisite

Afghanite

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Physical Properties

Tenacity

Solubility

Durability

Specific Gravity

3.20-3.502.55-2.65

1 7.18

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Fracture

Uneven, Conchoidal, Even

Conchoidal

Cleavage

Perfect {010} imperfect {100}

Perfect {10 1 0}

Mohs Hardness

6-75.5-6

2 10

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Chemical Composition

Ca₂Al₃(SiO₄)₃(OH)

(Na,Ca,K) 8(Si,Al) 12O 24(SO 4,Cl,CO 3) 3(H 2O)Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)

Zoisite and Afghanite Chemical Formula

While comparing Zoisite 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 Zoisite and Afghanite chemical formula.

Chemical formula of Zoisite- Ca₂Al₃(SiO₄)₃(OH)
Chemical formula of Afghanite- (Na,Ca,K) 8(Si,Al) 12O 24(SO 4,Cl,CO 3) 3(H 2O)Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)

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Zoisite and Afghanite Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Zoisite and Afghanite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Zoisite and Afghanite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Zoisite is 2.55-2.65 whereas that of Afghanite is 2.55-2.65.