Nephrite and Opal Physical Properties
Physical Properties
Tenacity
Not Available
BrittleWalter Schumann
Solubility
Not Available
hot salt water
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.90-3.10
1.98-2.25
Fracture
Splintery, Granular, Splintery, Granular, Gemstones (2009)
Conchoidal, Conchoidal, Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references, Brittle
Cleavage
Not Available
None
Mohs Hardness
6-6.5
5-6.5
Chemical Composition
Ca 2(Mg,Fe) 5(OH) 2Walter Schumann , Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references
SiO2 · nH2O
Nephrite and Opal Chemical Formula
While comparing Nephrite and Opal 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 Opal 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 Opal- SiO2 · nH2O
Nephrite and Opal Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Nephrite and Opal Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Nephrite and Opal Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Nephrite is 1.98-2.25 whereas that of Opal is 1.98-2.25.
