Nephrite and Spinel Physical Properties
Tenacity
Not Available
Not Available
Solubility
Not Available
none
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.90-3.10
3.64-3.66
Fracture
Splintery, Granular, Splintery, Granular, Gemstones (2009)
Conchoidal, Uneven, ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009)
Cleavage
Not Available
None, but may exhibit slight parting
Chemical Composition
Ca 2(Mg,Fe) 5(OH) 2Walter Schumann , Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references
MgAl2O4
Nephrite and Spinel Chemical Formula
While comparing Nephrite and Spinel 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 Spinel 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 Spinel- MgAl2O4
Nephrite and Spinel Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Nephrite and Spinel Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Nephrite and Spinel Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Nephrite is 3.64-3.66 whereas that of Spinel is 3.64-3.66.