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Opal and Fire Opal Physical Properties


Fire Opal and Opal Physical Properties


Physical Properties

Tenacity
BrittleWalter Schumann  
-  

Solubility
hot salt water  
-  

Durability
-  
-  

Specific Gravity
1.98-2.25  
1.97-2.22  

Fracture
Conchoidal  
Conchoidal  

Cleavage
None  
None  

Mohs Hardness
5-6.5  
6-6.5  

Chemical Composition
SiO2 · nH2O  
SiO 2 · nH 2OWalter Schumann , Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references  

Optical Properties >>
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Opal and Fire Opal Chemical Formula

While comparing Opal and Fire Opal 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 Fire Opal chemical formula.

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Opal and Fire Opal Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Opal and Fire Opal Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Opal and Fire Opal Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Opal is 1.97-2.22 whereas that of Fire Opal is 1.97-2.22.

Semi Precious Gemstones

Semi Precious Gemstones


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