Opal and Pollucite Physical Properties
Tenacity
BrittleWalter Schumann
Brittle
Solubility
hot salt water
Readily soluble in HF
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
1.98-2.25
2.86-2.94
Fracture
Conchoidal, Conchoidal, Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references, Brittle
Conchoidal, Uneven, ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), Brittle
Cleavage
None
None observed
Mohs Hardness
5-6.5
6.5-7
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
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.