Opal and Cassiterite Physical Properties
Tenacity
BrittleWalter Schumann
Brittle
Solubility
hot salt water
insoluble
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
1.98-2.25
6.86-7.03
Fracture
Conchoidal, Conchoidal, Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references, Brittle
Subconchoidal, Uneven, ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), Irregular
Cleavage
None
{100} imperfect, {110} indistinct; partings on {111} or {011}
Chemical Composition
SiO2 · nH2O
SnO 2Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
Opal and Cassiterite Chemical Formula
While comparing Opal and Cassiterite 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 Cassiterite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Opal- SiO2 · nH2O
- Chemical formula of Cassiterite- SnO 2Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
Opal and Cassiterite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Opal and Cassiterite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Opal and Cassiterite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Opal is 6.86-7.03 whereas that of Cassiterite is 6.86-7.03.