Opal and Taaffeite Physical Properties
Tenacity
BrittleWalter Schumann
Not Available
Solubility
hot salt water
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
1.98-2.25
3.60-3.61
Fracture
Conchoidal, Conchoidal, Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references, Brittle
Conchoidal
Cleavage
None
Imperfect/fair/absent
Mohs Hardness
5-6.5
8-8.5
Chemical Composition
SiO2 · nH2O
Mg 3Al 8BeO 16Walter Schumann , Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references
Opal and Taaffeite Chemical Formula
While comparing Opal and Taaffeite 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 Taaffeite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Opal- SiO2 · nH2O
- Chemical formula of Taaffeite- Mg 3Al 8BeO 16Walter Schumann , Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references
Opal and Taaffeite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Opal and Taaffeite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Opal and Taaffeite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Opal is 3.60-3.61 whereas that of Taaffeite is 3.60-3.61.