Opal and Turquoise Physical Properties
Tenacity
BrittleWalter Schumann
  
Not Available
  
Solubility
hot salt water
  
Soluble
  
Durability
Not Available
  
Not Available
  
Specific Gravity
1.98-2.25
  
2.30-2.90
  
Fracture
Conchoidal, Conchoidal, Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references, Brittle
  
Conchoidal, ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), Brittle
  
Cleavage
None
  
Good to perfect_usually N/A
  
Mohs Hardness
5-6.5
  
5-6
  
Chemical Composition
SiO2 · nH2O
  
CuAl6(PO4)4(OH)8 • 4H2O
  
Opal and Turquoise Chemical Formula
While comparing Opal and Turquoise 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 Turquoise chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Opal- SiO2 · nH2O
- Chemical formula of Turquoise- CuAl6(PO4)4(OH)8 • 4H2O
Opal and Turquoise Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Opal and Turquoise Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Opal and Turquoise Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Opal is 2.30-2.90 whereas that of Turquoise is 2.30-2.90.