Nephrite and Aragonite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Not Available
Brittle
Solubility
Not Available
Dilute acid
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.90-3.10
2.93-2.96
Fracture
Splintery, Granular, Splintery, Granular, Gemstones (2009)
Subconchoidal, ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), Conchoidal, Brittle
Cleavage
Not Available
Distinct on {010}, imperfect {110} and {011}
Mohs Hardness
6-6.5
3.5-4
Chemical Composition
Ca 2(Mg,Fe) 5(OH) 2Walter Schumann , Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references
CaCO 3Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
Nephrite and Aragonite Chemical Formula
While comparing Nephrite and Aragonite 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 Aragonite 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 Aragonite- CaCO 3Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
Nephrite and Aragonite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Nephrite and Aragonite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Nephrite and Aragonite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Nephrite is 2.93-2.96 whereas that of Aragonite is 2.93-2.96.