Jade and Common Opal Physical Properties
Tenacity
Not Available
Not Available
Solubility
Not Available
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.90-3.38
1.98-2.50
Fracture
Gemstones of the world (2001), Difficult, Splintery
Conchoidal, Conchoidal, Gemstones of the world (2001)
Cleavage
1 or 2,2 prismatic.
Not Available
Mohs Hardness
6-7
5.5-6.5
Chemical Composition
Nephrite: Ca2(Mg,Fe)5Si8O22(OH)2 Jadeite: NaAlSi2O6
SiO 2 · nH 2OWalter Schumann , Gemstones of the world (2001)
Jade and Common Opal Chemical Formula
While comparing Jade and Common Opal 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 Common Opal chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Jade- Nephrite: Ca2(Mg,Fe)5Si8O22(OH)2 Jadeite: NaAlSi2O6
- Chemical formula of Common Opal- SiO 2 · nH 2OWalter Schumann , Gemstones of the world (2001)
Jade and Common Opal Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Jade and Common Opal Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Jade and Common Opal Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Jade is 1.98-2.50 whereas that of Common Opal is 1.98-2.50.