Elbaite and Opal Physical Properties

Elbaite

Opal

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1 Physical Properties

1.1 Tenacity

Not Available

BrittleWalter Schumann

1.2 Solubility

Not Available

hot salt water

1.3 Durability

Not Available

1.4 Specific Gravity

2.90-3.10

1.98-2.25

1.5 Fracture

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

Conchoidal, Conchoidal, Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references, Brittle

1.6 Cleavage

Poor/indistinct on {1120} and {1011}

None

1.7 Mohs Hardness

5-6.5

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

SiO₂ · nH₂O

Elbaite and Opal Chemical Formula

While comparing Elbaite 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 Elbaite and 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 Opal- SiO₂ · nH₂O

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Elbaite and Opal Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Elbaite and Opal Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Elbaite and Opal Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Elbaite is 1.98-2.25 whereas that of Opal is 1.98-2.25.