Cordierite and Austinite Physical Properties

Cordierite

Austinite

Add ⊕

1 Physical Properties

1.1 Tenacity

Brittle

1.2 Solubility

Not Available

Easily soluble in cold dilute HCl

1.3 Durability

Not Available

1.4 Specific Gravity

2.57-2.66

4.12

1.5 Fracture

Subconchoidal, Conchoidal, Brittle

Brittle, Uneven, Brittle, Uneven

1.6 Cleavage

Fair on {100}, poor on {001} and {010}

Good in two directions parallel to the prism faces {110}

1.7 Mohs Hardness

7-7.5

4-4.5

1.8 Chemical Composition

Mg2Al4Si5O18

CaZn(AsO4)(OH)

Cordierite and Austinite Chemical Formula

While comparing Cordierite and Austinite 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 Austinite chemical formula.

Chemical formula of Cordierite- Mg2Al4Si5O18
Chemical formula of Austinite- CaZn(AsO4)(OH)

Compare Blue Gemstones

Cordierite Vs Riebeckite

Cordierite Vs Rosasite

Cordierite Vs Plumbogummite

Cordierite and Austinite Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Cordierite and Austinite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Cordierite and Austinite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Cordierite is 4.12 whereas that of Austinite is 4.12.