Opal and Dolomite Physical Properties

Opal

Dolomite

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1 Physical Properties

1.1 Tenacity

BrittleWalter Schumann

Brittle

1.2 Solubility

hot salt water

Poorly soluble in dilute HCl

1.3 Durability

Not Available

1.4 Specific Gravity

1.98-2.252.80-2.95

1 7.18

1.9 Fracture

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

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

1.10 Cleavage

None

Perfect on {10 1 1}, rhombohedral cleavage

1.11 Mohs Hardness

5-6.53.5-4

2 10

1.12 Chemical Composition

SiO₂ · nH₂O

CaMg(CO 3) 2Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references

Opal and Dolomite Chemical Formula

While comparing Opal and Dolomite 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 Dolomite chemical formula.

Chemical formula of Opal- SiO₂ · nH₂O
Chemical formula of Dolomite- CaMg(CO 3) 2Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references

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Opal and Dolomite Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Opal and Dolomite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Opal and Dolomite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Opal is 2.80-2.95 whereas that of Dolomite is 2.80-2.95.