Opal and Elbaite Physical Properties
Tenacity
BrittleWalter Schumann
Not Available
Solubility
hot salt water
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
1.98-2.25
2.90-3.10
Fracture
Conchoidal, Conchoidal, Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references, Brittle
Uneven, Conchoidal, Brittle, Uneven, ConchoidalAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001), Conchoidal, Brittle
Cleavage
None
Poor/indistinct on {1120} and {1011}
Chemical Composition
SiO2 · nH2O
Na(Li 1.5Al 1.5)Al 6(Si 6O 18)(BO 3) 3(OH) 3(OH)Gemdat.org , Management Team (2012) More from other references
Opal and Elbaite Chemical Formula
While comparing Opal and Elbaite 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 Elbaite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Opal- SiO2 · nH2O
- Chemical formula of Elbaite- Na(Li 1.5Al 1.5)Al 6(Si 6O 18)(BO 3) 3(OH) 3(OH)Gemdat.org , Management Team (2012) More from other references
Opal and Elbaite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Opal and Elbaite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Opal and Elbaite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Opal is 2.90-3.10 whereas that of Elbaite is 2.90-3.10.