Opal and Moonstone Physical Properties
Tenacity
BrittleWalter Schumann
Not Available
Solubility
hot salt water
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
1.98-2.25
2.56-2.60
Fracture
Conchoidal, Conchoidal, Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references, Brittle
Uneven, Uneven, ConchoidalWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
Cleavage
None
2,1 basal ; 2,1 prismatic ; 3,1 pinacoidal
Mohs Hardness
5-6.5
6-6.5
Chemical Composition
SiO2 · nH2O
Plagioclase Feldspar s: (Na,Ca)Al1-2Si3-2O8 Orthoclase Feldspar : KAlSi3O8
Opal and Moonstone Chemical Formula
While comparing Opal and Moonstone 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 Moonstone chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Opal- SiO2 · nH2O
- Chemical formula of Moonstone- Plagioclase Feldspar s: (Na,Ca)Al1-2Si3-2O8 Orthoclase Feldspar : KAlSi3O8
Opal and Moonstone Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Opal and Moonstone Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Opal and Moonstone Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Opal is 2.56-2.60 whereas that of Moonstone is 2.56-2.60.