Boulder Opal and Steatite Physical Properties

Boulder Opal

Steatite

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1 Physical Properties

1.1 Tenacity

Not Available

1.2 Solubility

Not Available

1.3 Durability

Not Available

1.4 Specific Gravity

1.98-2.252.20-2.80

1 7.18

1.5 Fracture

ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009)

Not Available

1.6 Cleavage

Not Available

1.7 Mohs Hardness

5-6.5Not Available

2 10

1.8 Chemical Composition

SiO 2 + H 2OUlrich Henn and Claudio C.

Mg 3Si 4O 10(OH) 2Gemdat.org , Management Team (2012)

Boulder Opal and Steatite Chemical Formula

While comparing Boulder Opal and Steatite 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 Steatite chemical formula.

Chemical formula of Boulder Opal- SiO 2 + H 2OUlrich Henn and Claudio C.
Chemical formula of Steatite- Mg 3Si 4O 10(OH) 2Gemdat.org , Management Team (2012)

Compare Blue Gemstones

Boulder Opal Vs Chrysocolla

Boulder Opal Vs Chrome-Chalcedony

Boulder Opal Vs Chrome Tourmaline

Boulder Opal and Steatite Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Boulder Opal and Steatite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Boulder Opal and Steatite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Boulder Opal is 2.20-2.80 whereas that of Steatite is 2.20-2.80.