Cordierite and Augite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Brittle
Not Available
Solubility
Not Available
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.57-2.66
3.19-3.56
Fracture
Subconchoidal, Conchoidal, Brittle
Uneven, Uneven, ConchoidalAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001), Brittle, Conchoidal
Cleavage
Fair on {100}, poor on {001} and {010}
{110} Perfect, {010} Indistinct
Mohs Hardness
7-7.5
5.5-6
Chemical Composition
Mg2Al4Si5O18
(Ca,Na)(Mg,Fe,Al,Ti)(Si,Al) 2O 6Anthony et al , Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
Cordierite and Augite Chemical Formula
While comparing Cordierite and Augite 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 Augite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Cordierite- Mg2Al4Si5O18
- Chemical formula of Augite- (Ca,Na)(Mg,Fe,Al,Ti)(Si,Al) 2O 6Anthony et al , Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
Cordierite and Augite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Cordierite and Augite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Cordierite and Augite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Cordierite is 3.19-3.56 whereas that of Augite is 3.19-3.56.