Nephrite and Biotite Physical Properties

Nephrite and Biotite Chemical Formula

While comparing Nephrite and Biotite 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 Biotite 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 Biotite- K(Mg,Fe++)3[AlSi3O10(OH,F)2

Nephrite and Biotite Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Nephrite and Biotite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Nephrite and Biotite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Nephrite is 2.7-3.3 whereas that of Biotite is 2.7-3.3.