Cordierite and Afghanite Physical Properties

Cordierite

Afghanite

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1 Physical Properties

1.1 Tenacity

Brittle

Not Available

1.2 Solubility

Not Available

1.3 Durability

Not Available

1.4 Specific Gravity

2.57-2.66

2.55-2.65

1.5 Fracture

Subconchoidal, Conchoidal, Brittle

Conchoidal, ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), Conchoidal, Brittle, Conchoidal, Brittle

1.6 Cleavage

Fair on {100}, poor on {001} and {010}

Perfect {10 1 0}

1.7 Mohs Hardness

7-7.5

5.5-6

1.8 Chemical Composition

Mg2Al4Si5O18

(Na,Ca,K) 8(Si,Al) 12O 24(SO 4,Cl,CO 3) 3(H 2O)Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)

Cordierite and Afghanite Chemical Formula

While comparing Cordierite and Afghanite 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 Afghanite chemical formula.

Chemical formula of Cordierite- Mg2Al4Si5O18
Chemical formula of Afghanite- (Na,Ca,K) 8(Si,Al) 12O 24(SO 4,Cl,CO 3) 3(H 2O)Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)

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Cordierite and Afghanite Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Cordierite and Afghanite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Cordierite and Afghanite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Cordierite is 2.55-2.65 whereas that of Afghanite is 2.55-2.65.