Cordierite and Achroite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Brittle
Not Available
Solubility
Not Available
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.57-2.66
2.90-3.40
Fracture
Subconchoidal, Conchoidal, Brittle
Uneven, Uneven, ConchoidalWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
Cleavage
Fair on {100}, poor on {001} and {010}
Not Available
Mohs Hardness
7-7.5
7-7.5
Chemical Composition
Mg2Al4Si5O18
Na(Li 1.5Al 1.5)Al 6(Si 6O 18)(BO 3) 3(OH) 3(OH)Gemdat.org , Management Team (2012) Formula given for elbaite.
Cordierite and Achroite Chemical Formula
While comparing Cordierite and Achroite 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 Cordierite and Achroite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Cordierite- Mg2Al4Si5O18
- Chemical formula of Achroite- Na(Li 1.5Al 1.5)Al 6(Si 6O 18)(BO 3) 3(OH) 3(OH)Gemdat.org , Management Team (2012) Formula given for elbaite.
Cordierite and Achroite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Cordierite and Achroite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Cordierite and Achroite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Cordierite is 2.90-3.40 whereas that of Achroite is 2.90-3.40.