Is there a simple test to tell if a piece is nephrite? I have a large green Buddha statue I want to classify.
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Hi,
Based on the jadeite and nephrite information pages, there are a couple diagnostic differences between the two materials. Jadeite has a higher specific gravity (3.25-3.36 vs. nephrite’s 2.90-3.02), and different spectral lines and optical properties. If you’re certain it’s one of these minerals, and not a simulant, these tests should distinguish them.
Addison
Geologist and IGS Team Member
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I see I have been digging into articles since I poster
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