Opal and Albite Physical Properties
Tenacity
BrittleWalter Schumann
Brittle
Solubility
hot salt water
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
1.98-2.25
2.60-2.65
Fracture
Conchoidal, Conchoidal, Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references, Brittle
Uneven, Uneven, Gems, Sixth Edition (2006), Uneven, Conchoidal
Cleavage
None
Perfect on {001}, very good on {010}, imperfect on {110}
Mohs Hardness
5-6.5
6-6.5
Chemical Composition
SiO2 · nH2O
NaAlSi 3O 8Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
Opal and Albite Chemical Formula
While comparing Opal and Albite 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 Albite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Opal- SiO2 · nH2O
- Chemical formula of Albite- NaAlSi 3O 8Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
Opal and Albite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Opal and Albite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Opal and Albite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Opal is 2.60-2.65 whereas that of Albite is 2.60-2.65.