Diaspore and Opal Physical Properties
Physical Properties
Tenacity
Very brittle
BrittleWalter Schumann
Solubility
insoluble
hot salt water
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
3.30-3.40
1.98-2.25
Fracture
Conchoidal, Brittle, Conchoidal
Conchoidal, Conchoidal, Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references, Brittle
Cleavage
{010} perfect, {110} distinct, {100} in traces
None
Mohs Hardness
6.5-7
5-6.5
Chemical Composition
AlO(OH)Walter Schumann , Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references
SiO2 · nH2O
Diaspore and Opal Chemical Formula
While comparing Diaspore 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 Diaspore and Opal chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Diaspore- AlO(OH)Walter Schumann , Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references
- Chemical formula of Opal- SiO2 · nH2O
Diaspore and Opal Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Diaspore and Opal Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Diaspore and Opal Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Diaspore is 1.98-2.25 whereas that of Opal is 1.98-2.25.
