Wax Opal

Yellow-brown Opal with wax-like luster.
General Information
A variety or type of:Common Opal, which is a variety of Opal
Chemical Formula
SiO
 
2
· nH
 
2
O
Walter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
Physical Properties of Wax Opal
Mohs Hardness5.5 to 6.5
Walter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
Specific Gravity1.98 to 2.50
Walter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
TenacityBrittle
Walter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
Cleavage QualityNone
Walter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
FractureConchoidal
Walter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
Optical Properties of Wax Opal
Refractive Index1.37 to 1.52
Walter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
BirefringenceNone
Walter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
PleochroismAbsent
Walter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
Colour
Colour (General)Yellow-brown
Walter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
TransparencyTranslucent,Opaque
Walter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
LustreWaxy
Walter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
Crystallography of Wax Opal
Crystal SystemAmorphous
Walter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
HabitKidney- or grape-shaped aggregates
Walter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
Further Information
Mineral information:Wax Opal information at mindat.org
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