Cordierite and Anthophyllite Physical Properties
Physical Properties
Tenacity
Brittle
Not Available
Solubility
Not Available
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.57-2.66
2.9-3.5
Fracture
Subconchoidal, Conchoidal, Brittle
Conchoidal, Brittle, Conchoidal, Brittle, Conchoidal, Brittle
Cleavage
Fair on {100}, poor on {001} and {010}
{110} Perfect, {???} Distinct, {???} Distinct
Mohs Hardness
7-7.5
5.5-6
Chemical Composition
Mg2Al4Si5O18
(Mg,Fe2+ ) 2(Mg,Fe2+ ) 5Si 8O 22(OH) 2Anthony et al , Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
Cordierite and Anthophyllite Chemical Formula
While comparing Cordierite and Anthophyllite 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 Anthophyllite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Cordierite- Mg2Al4Si5O18
- Chemical formula of Anthophyllite- (Mg,Fe2+ ) 2(Mg,Fe2+ ) 5Si 8O 22(OH) 2Anthony et al , Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
Cordierite and Anthophyllite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Cordierite and Anthophyllite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Cordierite and Anthophyllite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Cordierite is 2.9-3.5 whereas that of Anthophyllite is 2.9-3.5.
