Fluorite and Opal Physical Properties
Tenacity
Brittle
  
BrittleWalter Schumann
  
Solubility
slightly water soluble and in hot hydrochloric acid
  
hot salt water
  
Durability
Not Available
  
Not Available
  
Specific Gravity
3.00-3.25
  
1.98-2.25
  
Fracture
Subconchoidal, Uneven, ConchoidalWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references
  
Conchoidal, Conchoidal, Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references, Brittle
  
Cleavage
Octahedral, perfect on {111}, parting on {011}
  
None
  
Mohs Hardness
4
  
5-6.5
  
Chemical Composition
CaF2
  
SiO2 · nH2O
  
Fluorite and Opal Chemical Formula
While comparing Fluorite 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 Fluorite and Opal chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Fluorite- CaF2
- Chemical formula of Opal- SiO2 · nH2O
Fluorite and Opal Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Fluorite and Opal Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Fluorite and Opal Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Fluorite is 1.98-2.25 whereas that of Opal is 1.98-2.25.