White Opal and Moissanite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Not Available
Not Available
Solubility
Not Available
none
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
1.98-2.50
3.17-3.24
Fracture
Conchoidal, Conchoidal, Gemstones of the world (2001)
Conchoidal, ConchoidalAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001), Brittle
Cleavage
Not Available
(0001) indistinct
Mohs Hardness
5.5-6.5
9-9.5
Chemical Composition
SiO 2 · nH 2OWalter Schumann , Gemstones of the world (2001)
SiCArthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
White Opal and Moissanite Chemical Formula
While comparing White Opal and Moissanite 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 White Opal and Moissanite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of White Opal- SiO 2 · nH 2OWalter Schumann , Gemstones of the world (2001)
- Chemical formula of Moissanite- SiCArthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
White Opal and Moissanite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is White Opal and Moissanite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use White Opal and Moissanite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of White Opal is 3.17-3.24 whereas that of Moissanite is 3.17-3.24.