Opal and Fluorite Physical Properties
Tenacity
BrittleWalter Schumann
  
Brittle
  
Solubility
hot salt water
  
slightly water soluble and in hot hydrochloric acid
  
Durability
Not Available
  
Not Available
  
Specific Gravity
1.98-2.25
  
3.00-3.25
  
Fracture
Conchoidal, Conchoidal, Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references, Brittle
  
Subconchoidal, Uneven, ConchoidalWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references
  
Cleavage
None
  
Octahedral, perfect on {111}, parting on {011}
  
Mohs Hardness
5-6.5
  
4
  
Chemical Composition
SiO2 · nH2O
  
CaF2
  
Opal and Fluorite Chemical Formula
While comparing Opal and Fluorite 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 Fluorite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Opal- SiO2 · nH2O
- Chemical formula of Fluorite- CaF2
Opal and Fluorite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Opal and Fluorite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Opal and Fluorite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Opal is 3.00-3.25 whereas that of Fluorite is 3.00-3.25.