Cordierite and Almandine Physical Properties
Tenacity
Brittle
Not Available
Solubility
Not Available
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.57-2.66
3.95-4.30
Fracture
Subconchoidal, Conchoidal, Brittle
Conchoidal, Brittle, Conchoidal, Brittle, Conchoidal, ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), Brittle, Conchoidal
Cleavage
Fair on {100}, poor on {001} and {010}
none
Mohs Hardness
7-7.5
7-7.5
Chemical Composition
Mg2Al4Si5O18
Fe 3Al 2(SiO 4) 3Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
Cordierite and Almandine Chemical Formula
While comparing Cordierite and Almandine 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 Almandine chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Cordierite- Mg2Al4Si5O18
- Chemical formula of Almandine- Fe 3Al 2(SiO 4) 3Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
Cordierite and Almandine Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Cordierite and Almandine Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Cordierite and Almandine Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Cordierite is 3.95-4.30 whereas that of Almandine is 3.95-4.30.