Nephrite and Taaffeite Physical Properties
Specific Gravity
2.90-3.10
3.60-3.61
Fracture
Splintery, Granular
Conchoidal
Cleavage
None
Imperfect/fair/absent
Mohs Hardness
6-6.5
8-8.5
Chemical Composition
Ca 2(Mg,Fe) 5(OH) 2Walter Schumann , Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references
Mg 3Al 8BeO 16Walter Schumann , Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references
Nephrite and Taaffeite Chemical Formula
While comparing Nephrite and Taaffeite 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 Taaffeite 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 Taaffeite- Mg 3Al 8BeO 16Walter Schumann , Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references
Nephrite and Taaffeite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Nephrite and Taaffeite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Nephrite and Taaffeite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Nephrite is 3.60-3.61 whereas that of Taaffeite is 3.60-3.61.