Moissanite and Common Opal Physical Properties
Tenacity
Not Available
Not Available
Solubility
none
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
3.17-3.24
1.98-2.50
Fracture
Conchoidal, ConchoidalAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001), Brittle
Conchoidal, Conchoidal, Gemstones of the world (2001)
Cleavage
(0001) indistinct
Not Available
Mohs Hardness
9-9.5
5.5-6.5
Chemical Composition
SiCArthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
SiO 2 · nH 2OWalter Schumann , Gemstones of the world (2001)
Moissanite and Common Opal Chemical Formula
While comparing Moissanite 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 Moissanite and Common Opal chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Moissanite- SiCArthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
- Chemical formula of Common Opal- SiO 2 · nH 2OWalter Schumann , Gemstones of the world (2001)
Moissanite and Common Opal Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Moissanite and Common Opal Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Moissanite and Common Opal Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Moissanite is 1.98-2.50 whereas that of Common Opal is 1.98-2.50.