Nephrite and Petalite Physical Properties

Nephrite

Petalite

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1 Physical Properties

1.1 Tenacity

Not Available

Brittle

1.2 Solubility

Not Available

insoluble

1.3 Durability

Not Available

1.4 Specific Gravity

2.90-3.102.40

1 7.18

1.5 Fracture

Splintery, Granular, Splintery, Granular, Gemstones (2009)

Subconchoidal, ConchoidalWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references, Brittle, Conchoidal

1.6 Cleavage

Not Available

Perfect on {001}, poor on {201} with 38.5° angle between the two

1.7 Mohs Hardness

6-6.56-6.5

2 10

1.8 Chemical Composition

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

LiAlSi 4O 10Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references

Nephrite and Petalite Chemical Formula

While comparing Nephrite and Petalite 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 Petalite 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 Petalite- LiAlSi 4O 10Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references

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Nephrite and Petalite Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Nephrite and Petalite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Nephrite and Petalite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Nephrite is 2.40 whereas that of Petalite is 2.40.