Humite and Common Opal Physical Properties
Tenacity
Brittle
Not Available
Solubility
Not Available
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
3.20-3.32
1.98-2.50
Fracture
Uneven, Uneven, ConchoidalAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001), Conchoidal
Conchoidal, Conchoidal, Gemstones of the world (2001)
Cleavage
Poor
Not Available
Mohs Hardness
6-6.5
5.5-6.5
Chemical Composition
(Mg,Fe2+ ) 7(SiO 4) 3(F,OH) 2Anthony et al , Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
SiO 2 · nH 2OWalter Schumann , Gemstones of the world (2001)
Humite and Common Opal Chemical Formula
While comparing Humite 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 Humite and Common Opal chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Humite- (Mg,Fe2+ ) 7(SiO 4) 3(F,OH) 2Anthony et al , Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
- Chemical formula of Common Opal- SiO 2 · nH 2OWalter Schumann , Gemstones of the world (2001)
Humite and Common Opal Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Humite and Common Opal Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Humite and Common Opal Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Humite is 1.98-2.50 whereas that of Common Opal is 1.98-2.50.