Nephrite and Esperite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Not Available
Not Available
Solubility
Not Available
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.90-3.10
4.28-4.42
Fracture
Splintery, Granular, Splintery, Granular, Gemstones (2009)
Conchoidal, ConchoidalAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001), Brittle, Metallic
Cleavage
Not Available
Distinct on [010] and [100] poor on [101]
Mohs Hardness
6-6.5
5-5.5
Chemical Composition
Ca 2(Mg,Fe) 5(OH) 2Walter Schumann , Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references
PbCa 3Zn 4(SiO 4) 4Anthony et al , Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
Nephrite and Esperite Chemical Formula
While comparing Nephrite and Esperite 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 Esperite 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 Esperite- PbCa 3Zn 4(SiO 4) 4Anthony et al , Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
Nephrite and Esperite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Nephrite and Esperite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Nephrite and Esperite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Nephrite is 4.28-4.42 whereas that of Esperite is 4.28-4.42.