Opal and Pollucite Physical Properties

Opal

Pollucite

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1 Physical Properties

1.1 Tenacity

BrittleWalter Schumann

Brittle

1.2 Solubility

hot salt water

Readily soluble in HF

1.3 Durability

Not Available

1.4 Specific Gravity

1.98-2.252.86-2.94

1 7.18

1.5 Fracture

Conchoidal, Conchoidal, Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references, Brittle

Conchoidal, Uneven, ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), Brittle

1.6 Cleavage

None

None observed

1.7 Mohs Hardness

5-6.56.5-7

2 10

1.8 Chemical Composition

SiO₂ · nH₂O

(Cs,Na)(AlSi 2O 6) · 0.5H 2OWalter Schumann , Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references

Opal and Pollucite Chemical Formula

While comparing Opal and Pollucite 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 Pollucite chemical formula.

Chemical formula of Opal- SiO₂ · nH₂O
Chemical formula of Pollucite- (Cs,Na)(AlSi 2O 6) · 0.5H 2OWalter Schumann , Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references

Compare Semi Precious Gemstones

Opal Vs Lehsunia

Opal Vs Amethyst

Opal Vs Alexandrite

Opal and Pollucite Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Opal and Pollucite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Opal and Pollucite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Opal is 2.86-2.94 whereas that of Pollucite is 2.86-2.94.