Anthophyllite and Cordierite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Not Available
Brittle
Solubility
Not Available
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.9-3.5
2.57-2.66
Fracture
Conchoidal, Brittle, Conchoidal, Brittle, Conchoidal, Brittle
Subconchoidal, Conchoidal, Brittle
Cleavage
{110} Perfect, {???} Distinct, {???} Distinct
Fair on {100}, poor on {001} and {010}
Mohs Hardness
5.5-6
7-7.5
Chemical Composition
(Mg,Fe2+ ) 2(Mg,Fe2+ ) 5Si 8O 22(OH) 2Anthony et al , Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
Mg2Al4Si5O18
Anthophyllite and Cordierite Chemical Formula
While comparing Anthophyllite 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 Anthophyllite and Cordierite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Anthophyllite- (Mg,Fe2+ ) 2(Mg,Fe2+ ) 5Si 8O 22(OH) 2Anthony et al , Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
- Chemical formula of Cordierite- Mg2Al4Si5O18
Anthophyllite and Cordierite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Anthophyllite and Cordierite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Anthophyllite and Cordierite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Anthophyllite is 2.57-2.66 whereas that of Cordierite is 2.57-2.66.