Opal and Afghanite Physical Properties

Opal

Afghanite

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1 Physical Properties

1.1 Tenacity

BrittleWalter Schumann

Not Available

1.2 Solubility

hot salt water

Not Available

1.3 Durability

Not Available

1.4 Specific Gravity

1.98-2.252.55-2.65

1 7.18

1.5 Fracture

Conchoidal, Conchoidal, Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references, Brittle

Conchoidal, ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), Conchoidal, Brittle, Conchoidal, Brittle

1.6 Cleavage

None

Perfect {10 1 0}

1.7 Mohs Hardness

5-6.55.5-6

2 10

1.8 Chemical Composition

SiO₂ · nH₂O

(Na,Ca,K) 8(Si,Al) 12O 24(SO 4,Cl,CO 3) 3(H 2O)Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)

Opal and Afghanite Chemical Formula

While comparing Opal and Afghanite 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 Opal and Afghanite chemical formula.

Chemical formula of Opal- SiO₂ · nH₂O
Chemical formula of Afghanite- (Na,Ca,K) 8(Si,Al) 12O 24(SO 4,Cl,CO 3) 3(H 2O)Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)

Compare Semi Precious Gemstones

Opal Vs Amethyst

Opal Vs Lehsunia

Opal Vs Alexandrite

Opal and Afghanite Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Opal and Afghanite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Opal and Afghanite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Opal is 2.55-2.65 whereas that of Afghanite is 2.55-2.65.