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Aragonite and Opal Physical Properties


Opal and Aragonite Physical Properties


Physical Properties

Tenacity
Brittle  
BrittleWalter Schumann  

Solubility
Dilute acid  
hot salt water  

Durability
-  
-  

Specific Gravity
2.93-2.96  
1.98-2.25  

Fracture
Subconchoidal, Conchoidal  
Conchoidal  

Cleavage
Distinct on {010}, imperfect {110} and {011}  
None  

Mohs Hardness
3.5-4  
5-6.5  

Chemical Composition
CaCO 3Michael O’Donoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references  
SiO2 · nH2O  

Optical Properties >>
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Aragonite and Opal Chemical Formula

While comparing Aragonite 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 Aragonite and Opal chemical formula.

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Aragonite and Opal Specific Gravity

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

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