Whitlockite and Common Opal Physical Properties

Whitlockite and Common Opal Chemical Formula

While comparing Whitlockite 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 Whitlockite and Common Opal chemical formula.

• Chemical formula of Whitlockite- Ca 9(Mg,Fe2+ )(PO 4) 6(PO 3OH)Anthony et al , Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
• Chemical formula of Common Opal- SiO 2 · nH 2OWalter Schumann , Gemstones of the world (2001)

Whitlockite and Common Opal Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Whitlockite and Common Opal Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Whitlockite and Common Opal Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Whitlockite is 1.98-2.50 whereas that of Common Opal is 1.98-2.50.