Forsterite and Common Opal Physical Properties
Tenacity
Not Available
  
Not Available
  
Solubility
Not Available
  
Not Available
  
Durability
Not Available
  
Not Available
  
Specific Gravity
3.23-3.26
  
1.98-2.50
  
Fracture
Conchoidal, ConchoidalAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001), Conchoidal, Brittle
  
Conchoidal, Conchoidal, Gemstones of the world (2001)
  
Cleavage
Perfect on {010} imperfect on {100}
  
Not Available
  
Mohs Hardness
6.5-7
  
5.5-6.5
  
Chemical Composition
Mg 2SiO 4Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
  
SiO 2 · nH 2OWalter Schumann , Gemstones of the world (2001)
  
Forsterite and Common Opal Chemical Formula
While comparing Forsterite 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 Forsterite and Common Opal chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Forsterite- Mg 2SiO 4Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
- Chemical formula of Common Opal- SiO 2 · nH 2OWalter Schumann , Gemstones of the world (2001)
Forsterite and Common Opal Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Forsterite and Common Opal Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Forsterite and Common Opal Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Forsterite is 1.98-2.50 whereas that of Common Opal is 1.98-2.50.