Jade and Gypsum Physical Properties
Tenacity
Not Available
Flexible
Solubility
Not Available
Soluble
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.90-3.38
2.20-2.40
Fracture
Gemstones of the world (2001), Difficult, Splintery
Conchoidal, Splintery, Fibrous, UnevenArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009)
Cleavage
1 or 2,2 prismatic.
Perfect on {010}, distinct on {100}
Chemical Composition
Nephrite: Ca2(Mg,Fe)5Si8O22(OH)2 Jadeite: NaAlSi2O6
CaSO 4 -2(H 2O)Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
Jade and Gypsum Chemical Formula
While comparing Jade and Gypsum 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 Gypsum chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Jade- Nephrite: Ca2(Mg,Fe)5Si8O22(OH)2 Jadeite: NaAlSi2O6
- Chemical formula of Gypsum- CaSO 4 -2(H 2O)Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
Jade and Gypsum Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Jade and Gypsum Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Jade and Gypsum Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Jade is 2.20-2.40 whereas that of Gypsum is 2.20-2.40.