Cordierite and Dolomite Physical Properties

Cordierite

Dolomite

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1 Physical Properties

1.1 Tenacity

Brittle

1.2 Solubility

Not Available

Poorly soluble in dilute HCl

1.3 Durability

Not Available

1.4 Specific Gravity

2.57-2.662.80-2.95

1 7.18

1.5 Fracture

Subconchoidal, Conchoidal, Brittle

Conchoidal, ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), Brittle, Conchoidal

1.6 Cleavage

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

Perfect on {10 1 1}, rhombohedral cleavage

1.7 Mohs Hardness

7-7.53.5-4

2 10

1.8 Chemical Composition

Mg2Al4Si5O18

CaMg(CO 3) 2Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references

Cordierite and Dolomite Chemical Formula

While comparing Cordierite and Dolomite 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 Dolomite chemical formula.

Chemical formula of Cordierite- Mg2Al4Si5O18
Chemical formula of Dolomite- CaMg(CO 3) 2Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references

Compare Blue Gemstones

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Cordierite Vs Riebeckite

Cordierite Vs Rosasite

Cordierite and Dolomite Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Cordierite and Dolomite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Cordierite and Dolomite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Cordierite is 2.80-2.95 whereas that of Dolomite is 2.80-2.95.