Forsterite and Opal Physical Properties
Tenacity
Not Available
BrittleWalter Schumann
Solubility
Not Available
hot salt water
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
3.23-3.26
1.98-2.25
Fracture
Conchoidal, ConchoidalAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001), Conchoidal, Brittle
Conchoidal, Conchoidal, Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references, Brittle
Cleavage
Perfect on {010} imperfect on {100}
None
Mohs Hardness
6.5-7
5-6.5
Chemical Composition
Mg 2SiO 4Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
SiO2 · nH2O
Forsterite and Opal Chemical Formula
While comparing Forsterite 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 Forsterite and Opal chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Forsterite- Mg 2SiO 4Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
- Chemical formula of Opal- SiO2 · nH2O
Forsterite and Opal Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Forsterite and Opal Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Forsterite and Opal Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Forsterite is 1.98-2.25 whereas that of Opal is 1.98-2.25.