Gypsum and Common Opal Physical Properties
Tenacity
Flexible
Not Available
Solubility
Soluble
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.20-2.40
1.98-2.50
Fracture
Conchoidal, Splintery, Fibrous, UnevenArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009)
Conchoidal, Conchoidal, Gemstones of the world (2001)
Cleavage
Perfect on {010}, distinct on {100}
Not Available
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)
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.