Nephrite and Elbaite Physical Properties
Specific Gravity
2.90-3.10
2.90-3.10
Fracture
Splintery, Granular
Uneven, Conchoidal
Cleavage
None
Poor/indistinct on {1120} and {1011}
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
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.