Gypsum and Opal 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
  
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.
- Chemical formula of Gypsum- CaSO 4 -2(H 2O)Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
- Chemical formula of Opal- SiO2 · nH2O
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.