Afghanite and Cordierite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Not Available
Brittle
Solubility
Not Available
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.55-2.65
2.57-2.66
Fracture
Conchoidal, ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), Conchoidal, Brittle, Conchoidal, Brittle
Subconchoidal, Conchoidal, Brittle
Cleavage
Perfect {10 1 0}
Fair on {100}, poor on {001} and {010}
Mohs Hardness
5.5-6
7-7.5
Chemical Composition
(Na,Ca,K) 8(Si,Al) 12O 24(SO 4,Cl,CO 3) 3(H 2O)Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
Mg2Al4Si5O18
Afghanite and Cordierite Chemical Formula
While comparing Afghanite and Cordierite 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 Afghanite and Cordierite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Afghanite- (Na,Ca,K) 8(Si,Al) 12O 24(SO 4,Cl,CO 3) 3(H 2O)Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
- Chemical formula of Cordierite- Mg2Al4Si5O18
Afghanite and Cordierite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Afghanite and Cordierite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Afghanite and Cordierite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Afghanite is 2.57-2.66 whereas that of Cordierite is 2.57-2.66.