Cordierite and Afghanite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Brittle
Not Available
Solubility
Not Available
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.57-2.66
2.55-2.65
Fracture
Subconchoidal, Conchoidal, Brittle
Conchoidal, ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), Conchoidal, Brittle, Conchoidal, Brittle
Cleavage
Fair on {100}, poor on {001} and {010}
Perfect {10 1 0}
Mohs Hardness
7-7.5
5.5-6
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)
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.