Opal is composed primarily of silica and water. It is a mineraloid, not a true mineral, because it lacks a crystalline structure.
An opal is considered to be a mineraloid, meaning that it has all of the properties of a mineral-- solid, inorganic, naturally forming, has a chemical composition-- but does not demonstrate crystallinity. Other examples of mineraloids include obsidian, an amorphous glass (that is not a crystal).
A mineraloid is a naturally occurring substance that lacks a crystalline structure, which distinguishes it from minerals that have a well-defined atomic structure. They may have a chemical composition similar to minerals but do not exhibit the same regularity in their internal arrangement of atoms. Amber and opal are examples of mineraloids.
Opal, being amorphous, is not really a mineral but a mineraloid. One of the scientifically accepted standards defining a mineral is that a mineral must have a crystal structure, which opal lacks. Many scientific groups and references, including the acclaimed Dana's System of Mineralogy, categorize Opal together with the "true" minerals. For this reason, Opal -- as well as other amorphous types that fall under the definition of a mineraloid.
Opal is not considered a rock but actually a mineraloid gel. It is deposited at relatively low temperatures. One of the characteristics if igneous rocks, sometimes called fire rocks, is that they are formed at high temperatures. Whether an igneous rock forms below ground, or on or near the surface, it's all about heat forming the rock. Opal cannot take its form under that kind of heat.
Neither. Opal is a mineraloid, as it does not have a sufficiently organized structure to be considered a mineral.
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.
Opal is composed primarily of silica and water. It is a mineraloid, not a true mineral, because it lacks a crystalline structure.
An opal is considered to be a mineraloid, meaning that it has all of the properties of a mineral-- solid, inorganic, naturally forming, has a chemical composition-- but does not demonstrate crystallinity. Other examples of mineraloids include obsidian, an amorphous glass (that is not a crystal).
they are obsidian, opal, limonite
A mineraloid is a naturally occurring substance that lacks a crystalline structure, which distinguishes it from minerals that have a well-defined atomic structure. They may have a chemical composition similar to minerals but do not exhibit the same regularity in their internal arrangement of atoms. Amber and opal are examples of mineraloids.
It is important to distinguish between a mineral and a mineraloid. A mineral is an inorganic, naturally occurring substance that has a characteristic chemical composition, distinctive physical properties, and solid crystalline structure (an order 3 dimensional arrangement of atoms or molecules). If it does not have this solid crystalline structure, it is not a true mineral and is therefore a "mineraloid."
Opal, being amorphous, is not really a mineral but a mineraloid. One of the scientifically accepted standards defining a mineral is that a mineral must have a crystal structure, which opal lacks. Many scientific groups and references, including the acclaimed Dana's System of Mineralogy, categorize Opal together with the "true" minerals. For this reason, Opal -- as well as other amorphous types that fall under the definition of a mineraloid.
Opal is not considered a rock but actually a mineraloid gel. It is deposited at relatively low temperatures. One of the characteristics if igneous rocks, sometimes called fire rocks, is that they are formed at high temperatures. Whether an igneous rock forms below ground, or on or near the surface, it's all about heat forming the rock. Opal cannot take its form under that kind of heat.
Opal, amber, and obsidian are three examples of mineraloids. Mineraloids are naturally occurring materials that lack a crystalline structure but have physical and chemical properties that resemble minerals.
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Opal is amorphous mineraloid, occurrence : Sedimentary and secondary from the alteration of high silica igneous extrusive rocks