Home
Gemstones


Gypsum and Opal Physical Properties


Opal and Gypsum Physical Properties


Physical Properties

Tenacity
Flexible   
BrittleWalter Schumann   

Solubility
Soluble   
hot salt water   

Durability
Not Available   
Not Available   

Specific Gravity
2.20-2.40   
1.98-2.25   

Fracture
Conchoidal, Splintery, Fibrous, UnevenArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009)   
Conchoidal, Conchoidal, Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references, Brittle   

Cleavage
Perfect on {010}, distinct on {100}   
None   

Mohs Hardness
2   
5-6.5   

Chemical Composition
CaSO 4 -2(H 2O)Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)   
SiO2 · nH2O   

Optical Properties >>
<< Astrology

Gypsum and Opal Chemical Formula

While comparing Gypsum 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 Gypsum and Opal chemical formula.

Compare Colorless Gems

Gypsum and Opal Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Gypsum and Opal Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Gypsum and Opal Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Gypsum is 1.98-2.25 whereas that of Opal is 1.98-2.25.

Colorless Gems

Colorless Gems


Compare Colorless Gems