Nephrite and Gaspeite Physical Properties

Nephrite and Gaspeite Chemical Formula

While comparing Nephrite and Gaspeite 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 Gaspeite 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 Gaspeite- (Ni,Mg,Fe++)CO3

Nephrite and Gaspeite Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Nephrite and Gaspeite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Nephrite and Gaspeite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Nephrite is 3.71 whereas that of Gaspeite is 3.71.