Anhydrite and Opal Physical Properties

Anhydrite

Opal

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1 Physical Properties

1.1 Tenacity

Brittle

BrittleWalter Schumann

1.2 Solubility

Not Available

hot salt water

1.3 Durability

Not Available

1.4 Specific Gravity

2.90-2.98

1.98-2.25

1.5 Fracture

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

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

1.6 Cleavage

Rare tabular and prismatic crystals. Usually occurs as fibrous, parallel veins that break off into cleavage fragments.

None

1.7 Mohs Hardness

3.5

5-6.5

1.8 Chemical Composition

CaSO 4Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth edition (2006) More from other references

SiO₂ · nH₂O

Anhydrite and Opal Chemical Formula

While comparing Anhydrite 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 Anhydrite and Opal chemical formula.

Chemical formula of Anhydrite- CaSO 4Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth edition (2006) More from other references
Chemical formula of Opal- SiO₂ · nH₂O

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Anhydrite and Opal Specific Gravity

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