Precious Opal and Gypsum Physical Properties
Tenacity
Not Available
  
Flexible
  
Solubility
Not Available
  
Soluble
  
Durability
Not Available
  
Not Available
  
Specific Gravity
1.98-2.25
  
2.20-2.40
  
Fracture
Conchoidal, Conchoidal, Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references
  
Conchoidal, Splintery, Fibrous, UnevenArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009)
  
Cleavage
Not Available
  
Perfect on {010}, distinct on {100}
  
Mohs Hardness
5-6.5
  
2
  
Chemical Composition
SiO 2 · nH 2OGemdat.org , Management Team (2012)
  
CaSO 4 -2(H 2O)Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
  
Precious Opal and Gypsum Chemical Formula
While comparing Precious Opal and Gypsum 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 Gypsum chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Precious Opal- SiO 2 · nH 2OGemdat.org , Management Team (2012)
- Chemical formula of Gypsum- CaSO 4 -2(H 2O)Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
Precious Opal and Gypsum Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Precious Opal and Gypsum Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Precious Opal and Gypsum Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Precious Opal is 2.20-2.40 whereas that of Gypsum is 2.20-2.40.