Albite and Opal Physical Properties
Tenacity
Brittle
BrittleWalter Schumann
Solubility
Not Available
hot salt water
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.60-2.65
1.98-2.25
Fracture
Uneven, Uneven, Gems, Sixth Edition (2006), Uneven, Conchoidal
Conchoidal, Conchoidal, Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references, Brittle
Cleavage
Perfect on {001}, very good on {010}, imperfect on {110}
None
Mohs Hardness
6-6.5
5-6.5
Chemical Composition
NaAlSi 3O 8Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
SiO2 · nH2O
Albite and Opal Chemical Formula
While comparing Albite 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 Albite and Opal chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Albite- NaAlSi 3O 8Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
- Chemical formula of Opal- SiO2 · nH2O
Albite and Opal Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Albite and Opal Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Albite and Opal Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Albite is 1.98-2.25 whereas that of Opal is 1.98-2.25.