Moonstone and Opal Physical Properties
Tenacity
Not Available
BrittleWalter Schumann
Solubility
Not Available
hot salt water
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.56-2.60
1.98-2.25
Fracture
Uneven, Uneven, ConchoidalWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
Conchoidal, Conchoidal, Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references, Brittle
Cleavage
2,1 basal ; 2,1 prismatic ; 3,1 pinacoidal
None
Mohs Hardness
6-6.5
5-6.5
Chemical Composition
Plagioclase Feldspar s: (Na,Ca)Al1-2Si3-2O8 Orthoclase Feldspar : KAlSi3O8
SiO2 · nH2O
Moonstone and Opal Chemical Formula
While comparing Moonstone 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 Moonstone and Opal chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Moonstone- Plagioclase Feldspar s: (Na,Ca)Al1-2Si3-2O8 Orthoclase Feldspar : KAlSi3O8
- Chemical formula of Opal- SiO2 · nH2O
Moonstone and Opal Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Moonstone and Opal Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Moonstone and Opal Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Moonstone is 1.98-2.25 whereas that of Opal is 1.98-2.25.