Calcite and Cordierite Iolite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Brittle
  
Not Available
  
Solubility
Soluble
  
Not Available
  
Durability
Not Available
  
Not Available
  
Specific Gravity
2.67-2.73
  
2.56-2.66
  
Fracture
Conchoidal, ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), Brittle, Conchoidal
  
Uneven, Uneven, ConchoidalWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
  
Cleavage
Perfect on [10 1 1] three directions with angle of 74° 55
  
Not Available
  
Mohs Hardness
3
  
7-7.5
  
Chemical Composition
CaCO 3Ulrich Henn and Claudio C.
  
Mg 2Al 4Si 5O 18Ulrich Henn and Claudio C.
  
Calcite and Cordierite Iolite Chemical Formula
While comparing Calcite and Cordierite Iolite 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 Calcite and Cordierite Iolite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Calcite- CaCO 3Ulrich Henn and Claudio C.
- Chemical formula of Cordierite Iolite- Mg 2Al 4Si 5O 18Ulrich Henn and Claudio C.
Calcite and Cordierite Iolite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Calcite and Cordierite Iolite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Calcite and Cordierite Iolite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Calcite is 2.56-2.66 whereas that of Cordierite Iolite is 2.56-2.66.