Malachite and Nephrite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Not Available
Not Available
Solubility
Not Available
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
3.25-4.10
2.90-3.10
Fracture
Conchoidal, Conchoidal, Gemstones (2009), Uneven
Splintery, Granular, Splintery, Granular, Gemstones (2009)
Cleavage
Perfect on { 2 01} fair on {010}
Not Available
Mohs Hardness
3.5-4
6-6.5
Chemical Composition
Cu2CO3(OH)2
Ca 2(Mg,Fe) 5(OH) 2Walter Schumann , Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references
Malachite and Nephrite Chemical Formula
While comparing Malachite 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 Malachite and Nephrite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Malachite- Cu2CO3(OH)2
- Chemical formula of Nephrite- Ca 2(Mg,Fe) 5(OH) 2Walter Schumann , Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references
Malachite and Nephrite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Malachite and Nephrite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Malachite and Nephrite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Malachite is 2.90-3.10 whereas that of Nephrite is 2.90-3.10.