Nephrite and Petalite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Not Available
Brittle
Solubility
Not Available
insoluble
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.90-3.10
2.40
Fracture
Splintery, Granular, Splintery, Granular, Gemstones (2009)
Subconchoidal, ConchoidalWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references, Brittle, Conchoidal
Cleavage
Not Available
Perfect on {001}, poor on {201} with 38.5° angle between the two
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
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
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.