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Subject:Re: Jade Tiger (Or Chinese Unicorn Kirin) Puzzle
Posted By: Rogério Cezar de Cerqueira Leite Wed, Aug 05, 2015
This puzzle seems to be a Chimera figure. The usage of Chimera figures was very common since the Han Dinasty, extending its recurrence until Ming Dinasty.
It is frequently represented with the head of a lion, body of a goat and tail of a serpent.
The better way to define the kind of stone is to measure the density of the material by buonancy (following the Archimedes' principle). You could also measure the hardness of the stone, but this is a very intrusive method.
Density (specific gravity) for serpentine reports values between 2.4 to 2.7, values of 2.9 to 3.1 for nephrite, and values of 3.1 to 3.5 for jadeite.
Best Regards,
Prof. Rogério
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