Opal and Spodumene Physical Properties
Tenacity
BrittleWalter Schumann
  
Brittle
  
Solubility
hot salt water
  
insoluble
  
Durability
Not Available
  
Not Available
  
Specific Gravity
1.98-2.25
  
3.15-3.21
  
Fracture
Conchoidal, Conchoidal, Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references, Brittle
  
Uneven, Subconchoidal, Gemstones (2009)
  
Cleavage
None
  
Perfect prismatic, two directions {110} ∧ {1 1 0} at 87°
  
Mohs Hardness
5-6.5
  
6-7
  
Chemical Composition
SiO2 · nH2O
  
LiAlSi2O6
  
Opal and Spodumene Chemical Formula
While comparing Opal and Spodumene 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 Spodumene chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Opal- SiO2 · nH2O
- Chemical formula of Spodumene- LiAlSi2O6
Opal and Spodumene Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Opal and Spodumene Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Opal and Spodumene Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Opal is 3.15-3.21 whereas that of Spodumene is 3.15-3.21.