Nephrite and Moonstone Physical Properties

Nephrite

Moonstone

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Physical Properties

Tenacity

Solubility

Durability

Specific Gravity

2.90-3.102.56-2.60

1 7.18

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Fracture

Splintery, Granular

Uneven, ConchoidalWalter Schumann

Cleavage

None

2,1 basal ; 2,1 prismatic ; 3,1 pinacoidal

Mohs Hardness

6-6.56-6.5

2 10

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Chemical Composition

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

Plagioclase Feldspar s: (Na,Ca)Al_1-2Si_3-2O₈ Orthoclase Feldspar : KAlSi₃O₈

Nephrite and Moonstone Chemical Formula

While comparing Nephrite and Moonstone 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 Moonstone 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 Moonstone- Plagioclase Feldspar s: (Na,Ca)Al_1-2Si_3-2O₈ Orthoclase Feldspar : KAlSi₃O₈

Compare Green Gemstones

Nephrite Vs Pyromorphite

Nephrite Vs Riesling Beryl

Nephrite Vs Rutilated Quartz

Nephrite and Moonstone Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Nephrite and Moonstone Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Nephrite and Moonstone Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Nephrite is 2.56-2.60 whereas that of Moonstone is 2.56-2.60.