Opal and Sphalerite Physical Properties
Tenacity
BrittleWalter Schumann
Not Available
Solubility
hot salt water
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
1.98-2.25
3.95-4.10
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
Cleavage
None
{110} Perfect, {110} Perfect, {110} Perfect
Mohs Hardness
5-6.5
3.5-4
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
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.