Aragonite and Common Opal Physical Properties
Tenacity
Brittle
Not Available
Solubility
Dilute acid
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.93-2.96
1.98-2.50
Fracture
Subconchoidal, ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), Conchoidal, Brittle
Conchoidal, Conchoidal, Gemstones of the world (2001)
Cleavage
Distinct on {010}, imperfect {110} and {011}
Not Available
Mohs Hardness
3.5-4
5.5-6.5
Chemical Composition
CaCO 3Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
SiO 2 · nH 2OWalter Schumann , Gemstones of the world (2001)
Aragonite and Common Opal Chemical Formula
While comparing Aragonite 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 Aragonite and Common Opal chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Aragonite- CaCO 3Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
- Chemical formula of Common Opal- SiO 2 · nH 2OWalter Schumann , Gemstones of the world (2001)
Aragonite and Common Opal Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Aragonite and Common Opal Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Aragonite and Common Opal Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Aragonite is 1.98-2.50 whereas that of Common Opal is 1.98-2.50.