Gypsum and Common Opal Physical Properties

Gypsum

Common Opal

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1 Physical Properties

1.1 Tenacity

Flexible

Not Available

1.2 Solubility

Soluble

Not Available

1.3 Durability

Not Available

1.4 Specific Gravity

2.20-2.401.98-2.50

1 7.18

1.5 Fracture

Conchoidal, Splintery, Fibrous, UnevenArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009)

Conchoidal, Conchoidal, Gemstones of the world (2001)

1.6 Cleavage

Perfect on {010}, distinct on {100}

Not Available

1.7 Mohs Hardness

25.5-6.5

2 10

1.8 Chemical Composition

CaSO 4 -2(H 2O)Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)

SiO 2 · nH 2OWalter Schumann , Gemstones of the world (2001)

Gypsum and Common Opal Chemical Formula

While comparing Gypsum 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 Gypsum and Common Opal chemical formula.

Chemical formula of Gypsum- CaSO 4 -2(H 2O)Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
Chemical formula of Common Opal- SiO 2 · nH 2OWalter Schumann , Gemstones of the world (2001)

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Gypsum and Common Opal Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Gypsum and Common Opal Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Gypsum and Common Opal Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Gypsum is 1.98-2.50 whereas that of Common Opal is 1.98-2.50.