Cordierite and Common Opal Physical Properties

Cordierite

Common Opal

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1 Physical Properties

1.1 Tenacity

Brittle

Not Available

1.2 Solubility

Not Available

1.3 Durability

Not Available

1.4 Specific Gravity

2.57-2.661.98-2.50

1 7.18

1.5 Fracture

Subconchoidal, Conchoidal, Brittle

Conchoidal, Conchoidal, Gemstones of the world (2001)

1.6 Cleavage

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

Not Available

1.7 Mohs Hardness

7-7.55.5-6.5

2 10

1.8 Chemical Composition

Mg2Al4Si5O18

SiO 2 · nH 2OWalter Schumann , Gemstones of the world (2001)

Cordierite and Common Opal Chemical Formula

While comparing Cordierite and Common Opal 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 Common Opal chemical formula.

Chemical formula of Cordierite- Mg2Al4Si5O18
Chemical formula of Common Opal- SiO 2 · nH 2OWalter Schumann , Gemstones of the world (2001)

Compare Blue Gemstones

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Cordierite and Common Opal Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Cordierite and Common Opal Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Cordierite and Common Opal Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Cordierite is 1.98-2.50 whereas that of Common Opal is 1.98-2.50.