Nephrite and Andradite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Not Available
Brittle
Solubility
Not Available
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.90-3.10
3.70-4.10
Fracture
Splintery, Granular, Splintery, Granular, Gemstones (2009)
Conchoidal, Uneven, Conchoidal, Brittle, ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009)
Cleavage
Not Available
none
Mohs Hardness
6-6.5
6.5-7
Chemical Composition
Ca 2(Mg,Fe) 5(OH) 2Walter Schumann , Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references
Ca 3Fe 2(SiO 4) 3Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
Nephrite and Andradite Chemical Formula
While comparing Nephrite and Andradite 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 Nephrite and Andradite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Nephrite- Ca 2(Mg,Fe) 5(OH) 2Walter Schumann , Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references
- Chemical formula of Andradite- Ca 3Fe 2(SiO 4) 3Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
Nephrite and Andradite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Nephrite and Andradite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Nephrite and Andradite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Nephrite is 3.70-4.10 whereas that of Andradite is 3.70-4.10.