answersLogoWhite

0

Opal is composed primarily of silica and water. It is a mineraloid, not a true mineral, because it lacks a crystalline structure.

User Avatar

AnswerBot

1y ago

What else can I help you with?

Continue Learning about Natural Sciences
Related Questions

What gem is not a mineral?

Opal and amber are not minerals.


What is a mineral gem?

Opal and amber are not minerals.


What mineral makes up opal?

Opals are actually not minerals, but are classed as mineraloids. This is because they lack a crystalline structure, yet are mineral in nature.


What are some rare minerals in the US?

There are many minerals which can be found in the US, the rarest ones include Black Opal, Gold, Bauxite, Tin and Aluminium. There are other minerals which are extremely location specific.


Is opal magnetic or not?

Opal is not magnetic. It is a mineraloid made primarily of silica and water, and its chemical composition does not contain any magnetic minerals. As a result, opal does not exhibit magnetic properties and will not be attracted to magnets.


How many types of opals are there?

There are 5 basic types of opal. These types are Peruvian Opal, Fire Opal, Girasol Opal, Common opal and Precious Opal.


Why opal water and mercury are not true minerals?

Minerals by definition are solid, naturally occurring inorganic materials with a definite shape and crystalline structure. Opal water and mercury are both liquids lacking a definite shape and crystalline structre.


Is opal a element or a compound?

SiO2 .nH2O


Is opal a cleavage or fracture?

Opal does not have a cleavage or fracture because it lacks a distinct cleavage plane like minerals such as mica or calcite. Instead, opal typically fractures conchoidally, meaning it breaks with smooth, curved surfaces similar to glass.


What is the streak of a opal?

The streak of an opal is typically colorless due to its amorphous structure. It doesn't leave a visible streak on a streak plate like some other minerals do.


Is a man-made crystal a mineral?

The majority of minerals are crystalline materials.Examples: opal, halite, topaz.


Why the mineral opal is often referred to as a mineraloid?

Opal is often referred to as a mineraloid because it lacks a crystal structure, which is a defining characteristic of minerals. Instead, opal is made up of tiny silica spheres arranged in a more random, non-repeating pattern, giving it its unique play-of-color. This amorphous structure sets it apart from traditional minerals.