Boulder Opal and Halite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Not Available
  
Brittle
  
Solubility
Not Available
  
Water-soluble
  
Durability
Not Available
  
Not Available
  
Specific Gravity
1.98-2.25
  
2.17
  
Fracture
ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009)
  
Conchoidal, Brittle, Metallic
  
Cleavage
Not Available
  
Perfect {001}, three directions cubic
  
Mohs Hardness
5-6.5
  
2.0-2.5
  
Chemical Composition
SiO 2 + H 2OUlrich Henn and Claudio C.
  
NaCl
  
Boulder Opal and Halite Chemical Formula
While comparing Boulder Opal and Halite 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 Boulder Opal and Halite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Boulder Opal- SiO 2 + H 2OUlrich Henn and Claudio C.
- Chemical formula of Halite- NaCl
Boulder Opal and Halite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Boulder Opal and Halite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Boulder Opal and Halite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Boulder Opal is 2.17 whereas that of Halite is 2.17.