Biotite and Nephrite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Brittle
Not Available
Solubility
Not Available
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.7-3.3
2.90-3.10
Fracture
Uneven, Even, Yellow, White
Splintery, Granular, Splintery, Granular, Gemstones (2009)
Cleavage
Perfect on the {001}
Not Available
Mohs Hardness
2.5-3.0
6-6.5
Chemical Composition
K(Mg,Fe++)3[AlSi3O10(OH,F)2
Ca 2(Mg,Fe) 5(OH) 2Walter Schumann , Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references
Biotite and Nephrite Chemical Formula
While comparing Biotite 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 Biotite and Nephrite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Biotite- K(Mg,Fe++)3[AlSi3O10(OH,F)2
- Chemical formula of Nephrite- Ca 2(Mg,Fe) 5(OH) 2Walter Schumann , Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references
Biotite and Nephrite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Biotite and Nephrite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Biotite and Nephrite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Biotite is 2.90-3.10 whereas that of Nephrite is 2.90-3.10.