Caledonite and Opal Physical Properties
Tenacity
Brittle
BrittleWalter Schumann
Solubility
Not Available
hot salt water
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
5.6-5.76
1.98-2.25
Fracture
Uneven, UnevenAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
Conchoidal, Conchoidal, Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references, Brittle
Cleavage
[001] perfect; [100] distinct
None
Mohs Hardness
2.5-3
5-6.5
Chemical Composition
Pb 5Cu 2(SO 4) 3(CO 3)(OH) 6Anthony et al , Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
SiO2 · nH2O
Caledonite and Opal Chemical Formula
While comparing Caledonite 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 Caledonite and Opal chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Caledonite- Pb 5Cu 2(SO 4) 3(CO 3)(OH) 6Anthony et al , Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
- Chemical formula of Opal- SiO2 · nH2O
Caledonite and Opal Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Caledonite and Opal Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Caledonite and Opal Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Caledonite is 1.98-2.25 whereas that of Opal is 1.98-2.25.