Elbaite and Common Opal Physical Properties

Elbaite

Common Opal

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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

2.90-3.101.98-2.50

1 7.18

1.5 Fracture

Uneven, Conchoidal, Brittle, Uneven, ConchoidalAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001), Conchoidal, Brittle

Conchoidal, Conchoidal, Gemstones of the world (2001)

1.6 Cleavage

Poor/indistinct on {1120} and {1011}

Not Available

1.7 Mohs Hardness

75.5-6.5

2 10

1.8 Chemical Composition

Na(Li 1.5Al 1.5)Al 6(Si 6O 18)(BO 3) 3(OH) 3(OH)Gemdat.org , Management Team (2012) More from other references

SiO 2 · nH 2OWalter Schumann , Gemstones of the world (2001)

Elbaite and Common Opal Chemical Formula

While comparing Elbaite and Common 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 Elbaite and Common Opal chemical formula.

Chemical formula of Elbaite- Na(Li 1.5Al 1.5)Al 6(Si 6O 18)(BO 3) 3(OH) 3(OH)Gemdat.org , Management Team (2012) More from other references
Chemical formula of Common Opal- SiO 2 · nH 2OWalter Schumann , Gemstones of the world (2001)

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Elbaite and Common Opal Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Elbaite and Common Opal Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Elbaite and Common Opal Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Elbaite is 1.98-2.50 whereas that of Common Opal is 1.98-2.50.