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Opal Mineral Data
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General Opal Information
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 Chemical Formula: |
SiO2•n(H2O) |
| Composition: |
Molecular Weight = 87.11 gm |
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Silicon 32.24 % Si 68.98 % SiO2 |
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Hydrogen 3.47 % H 31.02 % H2O |
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Oxygen 64.29 % O |
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______ ______ |
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100.00 % 100.00 % = TOTAL OXIDE |
| Empirical Formula: |
SiO2•1.5(H2O) |
| Environment: |
Sedimentary and secondary from the alteration of high silica igneous extrusive rocks. |
| IMA Status: |
Valid Species (Pre-IMA) Prehistoric |
| Locality: |
World wide occurrences. Link to MinDat.org Location Data. |
| Name Origin: |
From the Old Indian upala - "precious stone." |
| Name Pronunciation: |
Opal  |
| Synonym: |
Fire Opal - red |
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Hyalite - glassy |
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Hydrophane - porous |
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Prase - green |
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Precious opal - opalescent |
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