Nephrite and Elbaite Physical Properties

Nephrite

Elbaite

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1 Physical Properties

1.1 Tenacity

Not Available

1.2 Solubility

Not Available

1.3 Durability

Not Available

1.4 Specific Gravity

2.90-3.102.90-3.10

1 7.18

1.5 Fracture

Splintery, Granular, Splintery, Granular, Gemstones (2009)

Uneven, Conchoidal, Brittle, Uneven, ConchoidalAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001), Conchoidal, Brittle

1.6 Cleavage

Not Available

Poor/indistinct on {1120} and {1011}

1.7 Mohs Hardness

6-6.57

2 10

1.8 Chemical Composition

Ca 2(Mg,Fe) 5(OH) 2Walter Schumann , Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references

Na(Li 1.5Al 1.5)Al 6(Si 6O 18)(BO 3) 3(OH) 3(OH)Gemdat.org , Management Team (2012) More from other references

Nephrite and Elbaite Chemical Formula

While comparing Nephrite and Elbaite 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 Elbaite 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 Elbaite- Na(Li 1.5Al 1.5)Al 6(Si 6O 18)(BO 3) 3(OH) 3(OH)Gemdat.org , Management Team (2012) More from other references

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Nephrite and Elbaite Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Nephrite and Elbaite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Nephrite and Elbaite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Nephrite is 2.90-3.10 whereas that of Elbaite is 2.90-3.10.