Alunite and Nephrite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Brittle
Not Available
Solubility
Soluble
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.6-2.9
2.90-3.10
Fracture
Conchoidal, Uneven
Splintery, Granular, Splintery, Granular, Gemstones (2009)
Cleavage
On {0001}, perfect
Not Available
Mohs Hardness
3.5-4
6-6.5
Chemical Composition
KAl3(SO4)2(OH)6
Ca 2(Mg,Fe) 5(OH) 2Walter Schumann , Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references
Alunite and Nephrite Chemical Formula
While comparing Alunite and Nephrite 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 Alunite and Nephrite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Alunite- KAl3(SO4)2(OH)6
- Chemical formula of Nephrite- Ca 2(Mg,Fe) 5(OH) 2Walter Schumann , Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references
Alunite and Nephrite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Alunite and Nephrite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Alunite and Nephrite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Alunite is 2.90-3.10 whereas that of Nephrite is 2.90-3.10.