Opal and Chrysotile Physical Properties

Opal

Chrysotile

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1 Physical Properties

1.1 Tenacity

BrittleWalter Schumann

Not Available

1.2 Solubility

hot salt water

insoluble in water

1.3 Durability

Not Available

1.4 Specific Gravity

1.98-2.252.51-2.63

1 7.18

1.5 Fracture

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

Fibrous

1.6 Cleavage

None

Not Available

1.7 Mohs Hardness

5-6.52.5-4.5

2 10

1.8 Chemical Composition

SiO₂ · nH₂O

Mg 3(Si 2O 5)(OH) 4Gemdat.org , Management Team (2012)

Opal and Chrysotile Chemical Formula

While comparing Opal and Chrysotile 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 Chrysotile chemical formula.

Chemical formula of Opal- SiO₂ · nH₂O
Chemical formula of Chrysotile- Mg 3(Si 2O 5)(OH) 4Gemdat.org , Management Team (2012)

Compare Semi Precious Gemstones

Opal Vs Lehsunia

Opal Vs Amethyst

Opal Vs Alexandrite

Opal and Chrysotile Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Opal and Chrysotile Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Opal and Chrysotile Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Opal is 2.51-2.63 whereas that of Chrysotile is 2.51-2.63.