Alunite and Common Opal Physical Properties

Alunite and Common Opal Chemical Formula

While comparing Alunite 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 Alunite and Common Opal chemical formula.

• Chemical formula of Alunite- KAl3(SO4)2(OH)6
• Chemical formula of Common Opal- SiO 2 · nH 2OWalter Schumann , Gemstones of the world (2001)

Alunite and Common Opal Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Alunite and Common Opal Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Alunite and Common Opal Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Alunite is 1.98-2.50 whereas that of Common Opal is 1.98-2.50.