Calcite and Cordierite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Brittle
  
Brittle
  
Solubility
Soluble
  
Not Available
  
Durability
Not Available
  
Not Available
  
Specific Gravity
2.67-2.73
  
2.57-2.66
  
Fracture
Conchoidal, ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), Brittle, Conchoidal
  
Subconchoidal, Conchoidal, Brittle
  
Cleavage
Perfect on [10 1 1] three directions with angle of 74° 55
  
Fair on {100}, poor on {001} and {010}
  
Mohs Hardness
3
  
7-7.5
  
Chemical Composition
CaCO 3Ulrich Henn and Claudio C.
  
Mg2Al4Si5O18
  
Calcite and Cordierite Chemical Formula
While comparing Calcite 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 Calcite and Cordierite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Calcite- CaCO 3Ulrich Henn and Claudio C.
- Chemical formula of Cordierite- Mg2Al4Si5O18
Calcite and Cordierite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Calcite and Cordierite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Calcite and Cordierite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Calcite is 2.57-2.66 whereas that of Cordierite is 2.57-2.66.