Cordierite and Esperite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Brittle
Not Available
Solubility
Not Available
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.57-2.66
4.28-4.42
Fracture
Subconchoidal, Conchoidal, Brittle
Conchoidal, ConchoidalAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001), Brittle, Metallic
Cleavage
Fair on {100}, poor on {001} and {010}
Distinct on [010] and [100] poor on [101]
Mohs Hardness
7-7.5
5-5.5
Chemical Composition
Mg2Al4Si5O18
PbCa 3Zn 4(SiO 4) 4Anthony et al , Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
Cordierite and Esperite Chemical Formula
While comparing Cordierite and Esperite 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 Esperite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Cordierite- Mg2Al4Si5O18
- Chemical formula of Esperite- PbCa 3Zn 4(SiO 4) 4Anthony et al , Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
Cordierite and Esperite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Cordierite and Esperite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Cordierite and Esperite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Cordierite is 4.28-4.42 whereas that of Esperite is 4.28-4.42.