Opal and Howlite Physical Properties
Physical Properties
Tenacity
BrittleWalter Schumann
Not Available
Solubility
hot salt water
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
1.98-2.25
2.45-2.58
Fracture
Conchoidal, Conchoidal, Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references, Brittle
UnevenArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), UnevenArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), Brittle, Conchoidal
Cleavage
None
None
Mohs Hardness
5-6.5
3-3.5
Chemical Composition
SiO2 · nH2O
Ca 2B 5SiO 9(OH) 5Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
Opal and Howlite Chemical Formula
While comparing Opal and Howlite 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 Howlite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Opal- SiO2 · nH2O
- Chemical formula of Howlite- Ca 2B 5SiO 9(OH) 5Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
Opal and Howlite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Opal and Howlite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Opal and Howlite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Opal is 2.45-2.58 whereas that of Howlite is 2.45-2.58.
