Cordierite and Caledonite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Brittle
  
Brittle
  
Solubility
Not Available
  
Not Available
  
Durability
Not Available
  
Not Available
  
Specific Gravity
2.57-2.66
  
5.6-5.76
  
Fracture
Subconchoidal, Conchoidal, Brittle
  
Uneven, UnevenAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
  
Cleavage
Fair on {100}, poor on {001} and {010}
  
[001] perfect; [100] distinct
  
Mohs Hardness
7-7.5
  
2.5-3
  
Chemical Composition
Mg2Al4Si5O18
  
Pb 5Cu 2(SO 4) 3(CO 3)(OH) 6Anthony et al , Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
  
Cordierite and Caledonite Chemical Formula
While comparing Cordierite and Caledonite 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 Caledonite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Cordierite- Mg2Al4Si5O18
- Chemical formula of Caledonite- Pb 5Cu 2(SO 4) 3(CO 3)(OH) 6Anthony et al , Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
Cordierite and Caledonite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Cordierite and Caledonite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Cordierite and Caledonite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Cordierite is 5.6-5.76 whereas that of Caledonite is 5.6-5.76.