Sphalerite and Opal Physical Properties
Tenacity
Not Available
BrittleWalter Schumann
Solubility
Not Available
hot salt water
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
3.95-4.10
1.98-2.25
Fracture
UnevenWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references, UnevenWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references, Uneven
Conchoidal, Conchoidal, Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references, Brittle
Cleavage
{110} Perfect, {110} Perfect, {110} Perfect
None
Mohs Hardness
3.5-4
5-6.5
Chemical Composition
(Zn,Fe)SMichael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
SiO2 · nH2O
Sphalerite and Opal Chemical Formula
While comparing Sphalerite and 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 Sphalerite and Opal chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Sphalerite- (Zn,Fe)SMichael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
- Chemical formula of Opal- SiO2 · nH2O
Sphalerite and Opal Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Sphalerite and Opal Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Sphalerite and Opal Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Sphalerite is 1.98-2.25 whereas that of Opal is 1.98-2.25.