Opal and Thomsonite Physical Properties
Tenacity
BrittleWalter Schumann
Not Available
Solubility
hot salt water
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
1.98-2.25
2.25-2.40
Fracture
Conchoidal, Conchoidal, Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references, Brittle
UnevenArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), UnevenArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009)
Cleavage
None
perfect on {010}; good on {100}
Mohs Hardness
5-6.5
5-5.5
Chemical Composition
SiO2 · nH2O
NaCa 2Al 5Si 5O 20 · 6H 2OMichael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
Opal and Thomsonite Chemical Formula
While comparing Opal and Thomsonite 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 Thomsonite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Opal- SiO2 · nH2O
- Chemical formula of Thomsonite- NaCa 2Al 5Si 5O 20 · 6H 2OMichael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
Opal and Thomsonite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Opal and Thomsonite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Opal and Thomsonite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Opal is 2.25-2.40 whereas that of Thomsonite is 2.25-2.40.