Jade and Moldavite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Not Available
Not Available
Solubility
Not Available
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.90-3.38
2.32-2.38
Fracture
Gemstones of the world (2001), Difficult, Splintery
ConchoidalWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001), ConchoidalWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
Cleavage
1 or 2,2 prismatic.
Not Available
Chemical Composition
Nephrite: Ca2(Mg,Fe)5Si8O22(OH)2 Jadeite: NaAlSi2O6
SiO 2(+Al 2O 3)Walter Schumann , Gemstones of the world (2001)
Jade and Moldavite Chemical Formula
While comparing Jade and Moldavite 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 Moldavite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Jade- Nephrite: Ca2(Mg,Fe)5Si8O22(OH)2 Jadeite: NaAlSi2O6
- Chemical formula of Moldavite- SiO 2(+Al 2O 3)Walter Schumann , Gemstones of the world (2001)
Jade and Moldavite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Jade and Moldavite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Jade and Moldavite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Jade is 2.32-2.38 whereas that of Moldavite is 2.32-2.38.