Opal and Sphalerite Physical Properties

Opal

Sphalerite

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1 Physical Properties

1.1 Tenacity

BrittleWalter Schumann

Not Available

1.2 Solubility

hot salt water

Not Available

1.3 Durability

Not Available

1.4 Specific Gravity

1.98-2.253.95-4.10

1 7.18

1.5 Fracture

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

UnevenWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references, UnevenWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references, Uneven

1.6 Cleavage

None

{110} Perfect, {110} Perfect, {110} Perfect

1.7 Mohs Hardness

5-6.53.5-4

2 10

1.8 Chemical Composition

SiO₂ · nH₂O

(Zn,Fe)SMichael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references

Opal and Sphalerite Chemical Formula

While comparing Opal and Sphalerite 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 Sphalerite chemical formula.

Chemical formula of Opal- SiO₂ · nH₂O
Chemical formula of Sphalerite- (Zn,Fe)SMichael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references

Compare Semi Precious Gemstones

Opal Vs Lehsunia

Opal Vs Alexandrite

Opal Vs Amethyst

Opal and Sphalerite Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Opal and Sphalerite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Opal and Sphalerite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Opal is 3.95-4.10 whereas that of Sphalerite is 3.95-4.10.