Common Opal and Gypsum Physical Properties
Tenacity
Not Available
Flexible
Solubility
Not Available
Soluble
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
1.98-2.50
2.20-2.40
Fracture
Conchoidal, Conchoidal, Gemstones of the world (2001)
Conchoidal, Splintery, Fibrous, UnevenArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009)
Cleavage
Not Available
Perfect on {010}, distinct on {100}
Chemical Composition
SiO 2 · nH 2OWalter Schumann , Gemstones of the world (2001)
CaSO 4 -2(H 2O)Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
Common Opal and Gypsum Chemical Formula
While comparing Common Opal and Gypsum 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 Common Opal and Gypsum chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Common Opal- SiO 2 · nH 2OWalter Schumann , Gemstones of the world (2001)
- Chemical formula of Gypsum- CaSO 4 -2(H 2O)Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
Common Opal and Gypsum Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Common Opal and Gypsum Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Common Opal and Gypsum Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Common Opal is 2.20-2.40 whereas that of Gypsum is 2.20-2.40.