Cordierite and Bustamite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Brittle
Not Available
Solubility
Not Available
Partly soluble in HCl.
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.57-2.66
3.32-3.43
Fracture
Subconchoidal, Conchoidal, Brittle
ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009)
Cleavage
Fair on {100}, poor on {001} and {010}
{100} perfect; {110} and {1 1 0} good; {010} poor
Mohs Hardness
7-7.5
5.5-6
Chemical Composition
Mg2Al4Si5O18
(Ca,Mn2+ )Si 3O 9Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
Cordierite and Bustamite Chemical Formula
While comparing Cordierite and Bustamite 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 Bustamite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Cordierite- Mg2Al4Si5O18
- Chemical formula of Bustamite- (Ca,Mn2+ )Si 3O 9Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
Cordierite and Bustamite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Cordierite and Bustamite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Cordierite and Bustamite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Cordierite is 3.32-3.43 whereas that of Bustamite is 3.32-3.43.