Whitlockite and Opal Physical Properties
Tenacity
Not Available
BrittleWalter Schumann
Solubility
Not Available
hot salt water
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
3.12
1.98-2.25
Fracture
Uneven, Uneven, ConchoidalAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001), Brittle
Conchoidal, Conchoidal, Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references, Brittle
Mohs Hardness
Not Available
5-6.5
Chemical Composition
Ca 9(Mg,Fe2+ )(PO 4) 6(PO 3OH)Anthony et al , Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
SiO2 · nH2O
Whitlockite and Opal Chemical Formula
While comparing Whitlockite 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 Whitlockite and 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 Opal- SiO2 · nH2O
Whitlockite and Opal Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Whitlockite and Opal Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Whitlockite and Opal Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Whitlockite is 1.98-2.25 whereas that of Opal is 1.98-2.25.