Moonstone and Nephrite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Not Available
Not Available
Solubility
Not Available
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.56-2.60
2.90-3.10
Fracture
Uneven, Uneven, ConchoidalWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
Splintery, Granular, Splintery, Granular, Gemstones (2009)
Cleavage
2,1 basal ; 2,1 prismatic ; 3,1 pinacoidal
Not Available
Mohs Hardness
6-6.5
6-6.5
Chemical Composition
Plagioclase Feldspar s: (Na,Ca)Al1-2Si3-2O8 Orthoclase Feldspar : KAlSi3O8
Ca 2(Mg,Fe) 5(OH) 2Walter Schumann , Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references
Moonstone and Nephrite Chemical Formula
While comparing Moonstone 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 Moonstone and Nephrite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Moonstone- Plagioclase Feldspar s: (Na,Ca)Al1-2Si3-2O8 Orthoclase Feldspar : KAlSi3O8
- Chemical formula of Nephrite- Ca 2(Mg,Fe) 5(OH) 2Walter Schumann , Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references
Moonstone and Nephrite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Moonstone and Nephrite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Moonstone and Nephrite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Moonstone is 2.90-3.10 whereas that of Nephrite is 2.90-3.10.