Jade and Nephrite Physical Properties
Physical Properties
Tenacity
Not Available
Not Available
Solubility
Not Available
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.90-3.38
2.90-3.10
Fracture
Gemstones of the world (2001), Difficult, Splintery
Splintery, Granular, Splintery, Granular, Gemstones (2009)
Cleavage
1 or 2,2 prismatic.
Not Available
Mohs Hardness
6-7
6-6.5
Chemical Composition
Nephrite: Ca2(Mg,Fe)5Si8O22(OH)2 Jadeite: NaAlSi2O6
Ca 2(Mg,Fe) 5(OH) 2Walter Schumann , Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references
Jade and Nephrite Chemical Formula
While comparing Jade 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 Jade and Nephrite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Jade- Nephrite: Ca2(Mg,Fe)5Si8O22(OH)2 Jadeite: NaAlSi2O6
- Chemical formula of Nephrite- Ca 2(Mg,Fe) 5(OH) 2Walter Schumann , Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references
Jade and Nephrite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Jade and Nephrite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Jade and Nephrite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Jade is 2.90-3.10 whereas that of Nephrite is 2.90-3.10.
