Boulder Opal and Howlite Physical Properties

Boulder Opal and Howlite Chemical Formula

While comparing Boulder Opal and Howlite 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 Howlite chemical formula.

• Chemical formula of Boulder Opal- SiO 2 + H 2OUlrich Henn and Claudio C.
• Chemical formula of Howlite- Ca 2B 5SiO 9(OH) 5Michael O’Donoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references

Boulder Opal and Howlite Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Boulder Opal and Howlite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Boulder Opal and Howlite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Boulder Opal is 2.45-2.58 whereas that of Howlite is 2.45-2.58.