Opal and Halite Physical Properties
Tenacity
BrittleWalter Schumann
  
Brittle
  
Solubility
hot salt water
  
Water-soluble
  
Durability
Not Available
  
Not Available
  
Specific Gravity
1.98-2.25
  
2.17
  
Fracture
Conchoidal, Conchoidal, Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references, Brittle
  
Conchoidal, Brittle, Metallic
  
Cleavage
None
  
Perfect {001}, three directions cubic
  
Mohs Hardness
5-6.5
  
2.0-2.5
  
Chemical Composition
SiO2 · nH2O
  
NaCl
  
Opal and Halite Chemical Formula
While comparing Opal and Halite 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 Halite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Opal- SiO2 · nH2O
- Chemical formula of Halite- NaCl
Opal and Halite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Opal and Halite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Opal and Halite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Opal is 2.17 whereas that of Halite is 2.17.