Wavellite and Opal Physical Properties
Physical Properties
Tenacity
Not Available
BrittleWalter Schumann
Solubility
insoluble
hot salt water
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.36
1.98-2.25
Fracture
Uneven, Subconchoidal, UnevenArthur Thomas, Fibrous
Conchoidal, Conchoidal, Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references, Brittle
Cleavage
[110] perfect, [101] good, [010] distinct
None
Mohs Hardness
3.5-4
5-6.5
Chemical Composition
Al 3(PO 4) 2(OH,F) 3 · 5H 2OMichael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
SiO2 · nH2O
Wavellite and Opal Chemical Formula
While comparing Wavellite 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 Wavellite and Opal chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Wavellite- Al 3(PO 4) 2(OH,F) 3 · 5H 2OMichael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
- Chemical formula of Opal- SiO2 · nH2O
Wavellite and Opal Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Wavellite and Opal Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Wavellite and Opal Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Wavellite is 1.98-2.25 whereas that of Opal is 1.98-2.25.
