Afghanite and Common Opal Physical Properties
Tenacity
Not Available
Not Available
Solubility
Not Available
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.55-2.65
1.98-2.50
Fracture
Conchoidal, ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), Conchoidal, Brittle, Conchoidal, Brittle
Conchoidal, Conchoidal, Gemstones of the world (2001)
Cleavage
Perfect {10 1 0}
Not Available
Mohs Hardness
5.5-6
5.5-6.5
Chemical Composition
(Na,Ca,K) 8(Si,Al) 12O 24(SO 4,Cl,CO 3) 3(H 2O)Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
SiO 2 · nH 2OWalter Schumann , Gemstones of the world (2001)
Afghanite and Common Opal Chemical Formula
While comparing Afghanite and Common Opal 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 Afghanite and Common Opal chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Afghanite- (Na,Ca,K) 8(Si,Al) 12O 24(SO 4,Cl,CO 3) 3(H 2O)Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
- Chemical formula of Common Opal- SiO 2 · nH 2OWalter Schumann , Gemstones of the world (2001)
Afghanite and Common Opal Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Afghanite and Common Opal Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Afghanite and Common Opal Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Afghanite is 1.98-2.50 whereas that of Common Opal is 1.98-2.50.