Jade and Afghanite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Not Available
Not Available
Solubility
Not Available
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.90-3.38
2.55-2.65
Fracture
Gemstones of the world (2001), Difficult, Splintery
Conchoidal, ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), Conchoidal, Brittle, Conchoidal, Brittle
Cleavage
1 or 2,2 prismatic.
Perfect {10 1 0}
Chemical Composition
Nephrite: Ca2(Mg,Fe)5Si8O22(OH)2 Jadeite: NaAlSi2O6
(Na,Ca,K) 8(Si,Al) 12O 24(SO 4,Cl,CO 3) 3(H 2O)Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
Jade and Afghanite Chemical Formula
While comparing Jade 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 Jade and Afghanite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Jade- Nephrite: Ca2(Mg,Fe)5Si8O22(OH)2 Jadeite: NaAlSi2O6
- Chemical formula of Afghanite- (Na,Ca,K) 8(Si,Al) 12O 24(SO 4,Cl,CO 3) 3(H 2O)Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
Jade and Afghanite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Jade and Afghanite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Jade and Afghanite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Jade is 2.55-2.65 whereas that of Afghanite is 2.55-2.65.