Nephrite and Cuprite Physical Properties
Specific Gravity
2.90-3.10
5.85-6.15
Fracture
Splintery, Granular
Conchoidal
Cleavage
None
Fair in four directions forming octahedrons
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
Cu 2OMichael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
Nephrite and Cuprite Chemical Formula
While comparing Nephrite and Cuprite 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 Cuprite 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 Cuprite- Cu 2OMichael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
Nephrite and Cuprite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Nephrite and Cuprite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Nephrite and Cuprite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Nephrite is 5.85-6.15 whereas that of Cuprite is 5.85-6.15.