Jade and Steatite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Not Available
Not Available
Solubility
Not Available
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.90-3.38
2.20-2.80
Fracture
Gemstones of the world (2001), Difficult, Splintery
Not Available
Cleavage
1 or 2,2 prismatic.
Not Available
Mohs Hardness
6-7
Not Available
Chemical Composition
Nephrite: Ca2(Mg,Fe)5Si8O22(OH)2 Jadeite: NaAlSi2O6
Mg 3Si 4O 10(OH) 2Gemdat.org , Management Team (2012)
Jade and Steatite Chemical Formula
While comparing Jade and Steatite 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 Steatite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Jade- Nephrite: Ca2(Mg,Fe)5Si8O22(OH)2 Jadeite: NaAlSi2O6
- Chemical formula of Steatite- Mg 3Si 4O 10(OH) 2Gemdat.org , Management Team (2012)
Jade and Steatite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Jade and Steatite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Jade and Steatite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Jade is 2.20-2.80 whereas that of Steatite is 2.20-2.80.