Precious Opal and Calcite Physical Properties

Precious Opal

Calcite

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1 Physical Properties

1.1 Tenacity

Not Available

Brittle

1.2 Solubility

Not Available

Soluble

1.3 Durability

Not Available

1.4 Specific Gravity

1.98-2.252.67-2.73

1 7.18

1.5 Fracture

Conchoidal, Conchoidal, Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references

Conchoidal, ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), Brittle, Conchoidal

1.6 Cleavage

Not Available

Perfect on [10 1 1] three directions with angle of 74° 55

1.7 Mohs Hardness

5-6.53

2 10

1.8 Chemical Composition

SiO 2 · nH 2OGemdat.org , Management Team (2012)

CaCO 3Ulrich Henn and Claudio C.

Precious Opal and Calcite Chemical Formula

While comparing Precious Opal and Calcite 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 Precious Opal and Calcite chemical formula.

Chemical formula of Precious Opal- SiO 2 · nH 2OGemdat.org , Management Team (2012)
Chemical formula of Calcite- CaCO 3Ulrich Henn and Claudio C.

Compare Blue Gemstones

Precious Opal Vs Sapphire

Precious Opal Vs Sard

Precious Opal Vs Sardonyx

Precious Opal and Calcite Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Precious Opal and Calcite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Precious Opal and Calcite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Precious Opal is 2.67-2.73 whereas that of Calcite is 2.67-2.73.