Tourmaline and Opal Physical Properties

Tourmaline

Opal

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1 Physical Properties

1.1 Tenacity

Not Available

BrittleWalter Schumann

1.2 Solubility

Not Available

hot salt water

1.3 Durability

Not Available

1.4 Specific Gravity

2.85-3.35

1.98-2.25

1.5 Fracture

Uneven, Conchoidal, ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009)

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

1.6 Cleavage

Indistinct

None

1.7 Mohs Hardness

7-7.5

5-6.5

1.8 Chemical Composition

Tourmaline is a series of several different minerals with unique chemical formulas. See The chemical formula of Tourmaline for details.

SiO₂ · nH₂O

Tourmaline and Opal Chemical Formula

While comparing Tourmaline 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 Tourmaline and Opal chemical formula.

Chemical formula of Tourmaline- Tourmaline is a series of several different minerals with unique chemical formulas. See The chemical formula of Tourmaline for details.
Chemical formula of Opal- SiO₂ · nH₂O

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Tourmaline and Opal Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Tourmaline and Opal Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Tourmaline and Opal Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Tourmaline is 1.98-2.25 whereas that of Opal is 1.98-2.25.