Opal and Ettringite Physical Properties
Tenacity
BrittleWalter Schumann
Not Available
Solubility
hot salt water
Partially soluble in water
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
1.98-2.25
1.77
Fracture
Conchoidal, Conchoidal, Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references, Brittle
Not Available
Cleavage
None
Perfect on {10 1 0}
Mohs Hardness
5-6.5
2-2.5
Chemical Composition
SiO2 · nH2O
Ca 6Al 2(SO 4) 3(OH) 12 26H 2OMichael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
Opal and Ettringite Chemical Formula
While comparing Opal and Ettringite 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 Ettringite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Opal- SiO2 · nH2O
- Chemical formula of Ettringite- Ca 6Al 2(SO 4) 3(OH) 12 26H 2OMichael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
Opal and Ettringite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Opal and Ettringite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Opal and Ettringite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Opal is 1.77 whereas that of Ettringite is 1.77.