Precious Opal and Zircon Physical Properties
Tenacity
Not Available
  
Brittle
  
Solubility
Not Available
  
insoluble
  
Durability
Not Available
  
Not Available
  
Specific Gravity
1.98-2.25
  
3.93-4.73
  
Fracture
Conchoidal, Conchoidal, Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references
  
Conchoidal, Uneven, ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009)
  
Cleavage
Not Available
  
{110} and {111}
  
Mohs Hardness
5-6.5
  
7.5
  
Chemical Composition
SiO 2 · nH 2OGemdat.org , Management Team (2012)
  
ZrSiO4
  
Precious Opal and Zircon Chemical Formula
While comparing Precious Opal and Zircon 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 Zircon chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Precious Opal- SiO 2 · nH 2OGemdat.org , Management Team (2012)
- Chemical formula of Zircon- ZrSiO4
Precious Opal and Zircon Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Precious Opal and Zircon Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Precious Opal and Zircon Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Precious Opal is 3.93-4.73 whereas that of Zircon is 3.93-4.73.