Elbaite and Fire Opal Physical Properties
Specific Gravity
2.90-3.10
1.97-2.22
Fracture
Uneven, Conchoidal
Conchoidal
Cleavage
Poor/indistinct on {1120} and {1011}
None
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) More from other references
Elbaite and Fire Opal Chemical Formula
While comparing Elbaite and Fire 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 Fire 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 Fire Opal- SiO 2 · nH 2OWalter Schumann , Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references
Elbaite and Fire Opal Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Elbaite and Fire Opal Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Elbaite and Fire Opal Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Elbaite is 1.97-2.22 whereas that of Fire Opal is 1.97-2.22.