Magnesite and Opal Physical Properties
Tenacity
Brittle
BrittleWalter Schumann
Solubility
Effervesces in hot HCl
hot salt water
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.92-3.12
1.98-2.25
Fracture
Conchoidal, ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), Brittle
Conchoidal, Conchoidal, Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references, Brittle
Cleavage
[10 1 1] perfect
None
Mohs Hardness
3.5-4.5
5-6.5
Chemical Composition
MgCO 3Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
SiO2 · nH2O
Magnesite and Opal Chemical Formula
While comparing Magnesite 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 Magnesite and Opal chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Magnesite- MgCO 3Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
- Chemical formula of Opal- SiO2 · nH2O
Magnesite and Opal Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Magnesite and Opal Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Magnesite and Opal Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Magnesite is 1.98-2.25 whereas that of Opal is 1.98-2.25.