Sellaite and Common Opal Physical Properties
Tenacity
Brittle
Not Available
Solubility
Not Available
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
3.14-3.16
1.98-2.50
Fracture
Conchoidal, ConchoidalAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001), Brittle
Conchoidal, Conchoidal, Gemstones of the world (2001)
Cleavage
Perfect on {010} and {110}
Not Available
Mohs Hardness
5-5.5
5.5-6.5
Chemical Composition
MgF 2Ulrich Henn and Claudio C.
SiO 2 · nH 2OWalter Schumann , Gemstones of the world (2001)
Sellaite and Common Opal Chemical Formula
While comparing Sellaite and Common Opal 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 Sellaite and Common Opal chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Sellaite- MgF 2Ulrich Henn and Claudio C.
- Chemical formula of Common Opal- SiO 2 · nH 2OWalter Schumann , Gemstones of the world (2001)
Sellaite and Common Opal Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Sellaite and Common Opal Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Sellaite and Common Opal Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Sellaite is 1.98-2.50 whereas that of Common Opal is 1.98-2.50.