Opal and Dolomite Physical Properties
Tenacity
BrittleWalter Schumann
Brittle
Solubility
hot salt water
Poorly soluble in dilute HCl
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
1.98-2.25
2.80-2.95
Fracture
Conchoidal, Conchoidal, Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references, Brittle
Conchoidal, ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), Brittle, Conchoidal
Cleavage
None
Perfect on {10 1 1}, rhombohedral cleavage
Mohs Hardness
5-6.5
3.5-4
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
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.