Opal and Bytownite Physical Properties
Tenacity
BrittleWalter Schumann
Brittle
Solubility
hot salt water
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
1.98-2.25
2.72-2.75
Fracture
Conchoidal, Conchoidal, Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references, Brittle
Uneven, Uneven, Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
Cleavage
None
Perfect on [001], good on [010], imperfect on [110]
Mohs Hardness
5-6.5
6-6.5
Chemical Composition
SiO2 · nH2O
Ca(70-90%)Na(30-10%)(Al,Si)AlSi 2O 8Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
Opal and Bytownite Chemical Formula
While comparing Opal and Bytownite 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 Bytownite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Opal- SiO2 · nH2O
- Chemical formula of Bytownite- Ca(70-90%)Na(30-10%)(Al,Si)AlSi 2O 8Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
Opal and Bytownite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Opal and Bytownite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Opal and Bytownite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Opal is 2.72-2.75 whereas that of Bytownite is 2.72-2.75.