Cordierite and Anorthite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Brittle
  
Brittle
  
Solubility
Not Available
  
Not Available
  
Durability
Not Available
  
Not Available
  
Specific Gravity
2.57-2.66
  
2.77
  
Fracture
Subconchoidal, Conchoidal, Brittle
  
Uneven, Uneven, Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
  
Cleavage
Fair on {100}, poor on {001} and {010}
  
Perfect [001] good [010] poor [110]
  
Mohs Hardness
7-7.5
  
6-6.5
  
Chemical Composition
Mg2Al4Si5O18
  
CaAl 2Si 2O 8Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
  
Cordierite and Anorthite Chemical Formula
While comparing Cordierite and Anorthite 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 Anorthite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Cordierite- Mg2Al4Si5O18
- Chemical formula of Anorthite- CaAl 2Si 2O 8Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
Cordierite and Anorthite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Cordierite and Anorthite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Cordierite and Anorthite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Cordierite is 2.77 whereas that of Anorthite is 2.77.