Nephrite and Moonstone Physical Properties
Specific Gravity
2.90-3.10
2.56-2.60
Fracture
Splintery, Granular
Uneven, ConchoidalWalter Schumann
Cleavage
None
2,1 basal ; 2,1 prismatic ; 3,1 pinacoidal
Mohs Hardness
6-6.5
6-6.5
Chemical Composition
Ca 2(Mg,Fe) 5(OH) 2Walter Schumann , Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references
Plagioclase Feldspar s: (Na,Ca)Al1-2Si3-2O8 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)Al1-2Si3-2O8 Orthoclase Feldspar : KAlSi3O8
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.