Physical Properties Of Yellow Wax Stone

Mechanically, Yellow Wax Stone is tough rather than brittle, exhibiting the hardness of chalcedony (6.5–7)-slightly higher than that of jadeite and far exceeding that of *Tianhuang* stone (composed primarily of dickite, kaolinite, and nacrite), which shares a similar color. It has a specific gravity of 2.60–2.70 g/cm³. Chemically stable, it is insoluble in acids other than hydrofluoric acid. It is heat-resistant, with dehydration of accessory mineral components occurring only when heated above 500°C. It lacks cleavage and exhibits an uneven fracture.

 

The stone ranges from transparent to translucent (with a few specimens being only slightly translucent) and displays a luster varying from greasy to vitreous. Its refractive index is 1.544–1.553, with a spot reading typically around 1.54. Certain high-quality varieties, such as "Frozen Wax" (*dongla*) and "Jelly Wax" (*jiaola*), possess excellent transparency and light transmission, though the presence of a dark outer "skin" can sometimes affect light transmission.