Afghanite and Opal Physical Properties

Afghanite

Opal

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1 Physical Properties

1.1 Tenacity

Not Available

BrittleWalter Schumann

1.2 Solubility

Not Available

hot salt water

1.3 Durability

Not Available

1.4 Specific Gravity

2.55-2.65

1.98-2.25

1.5 Fracture

Conchoidal, ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), Conchoidal, Brittle, Conchoidal, Brittle

Conchoidal, Conchoidal, Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references, Brittle

1.6 Cleavage

Perfect {10 1 0}

None

1.7 Mohs Hardness

5.5-6

5-6.5

1.8 Chemical Composition

(Na,Ca,K) 8(Si,Al) 12O 24(SO 4,Cl,CO 3) 3(H 2O)Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)

SiO₂ · nH₂O

Afghanite and Opal Chemical Formula

While comparing Afghanite and 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 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 Opal- SiO₂ · nH₂O

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Afghanite and Opal Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Afghanite and Opal Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Afghanite and Opal Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Afghanite is 1.98-2.25 whereas that of Opal is 1.98-2.25.