Nephrite and Antigorite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Not Available
Not Available
Solubility
Not Available
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.90-3.10
2.58-2.80
Fracture
Splintery, Granular, Splintery, Granular, Gemstones (2009)
Conchoidal, Brittle, Metallic, Conchoidal, Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
Cleavage
Not Available
{001} Good
Mohs Hardness
6-6.5
5-5.5
Chemical Composition
Ca 2(Mg,Fe) 5(OH) 2Walter Schumann , Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references
(Mg,Fe2+ ) 3Si 2O 5(OH) 4Anthony et al , Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
Nephrite and Antigorite Chemical Formula
While comparing Nephrite and Antigorite 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 Antigorite 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 Antigorite- (Mg,Fe2+ ) 3Si 2O 5(OH) 4Anthony et al , Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
Nephrite and Antigorite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Nephrite and Antigorite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Nephrite and Antigorite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Nephrite is 2.58-2.80 whereas that of Antigorite is 2.58-2.80.