Cordierite and Hercynite Physical Properties

Cordierite

Hercynite

Add ⊕

1 Physical Properties

1.1 Tenacity

Brittle

Not Available

1.2 Solubility

Not Available

1.3 Durability

Not Available

1.4 Specific Gravity

2.57-2.664.39

1 7.18

1.5 Fracture

Subconchoidal, Conchoidal, Brittle

ConchoidalGemdat.org, Uneven

1.6 Cleavage

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

{111} Indistinct, {111} Indistinct, {111} Indistinct

1.7 Mohs Hardness

7-7.57.5-8

2 10

1.8 Chemical Composition

Mg2Al4Si5O18

Fe2+ Al 2O 4Gemdat.org , Management Team (2012)

Cordierite and Hercynite Chemical Formula

While comparing Cordierite and Hercynite 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 Hercynite chemical formula.

Chemical formula of Cordierite- Mg2Al4Si5O18
Chemical formula of Hercynite- Fe2+ Al 2O 4Gemdat.org , Management Team (2012)

Compare Blue Gemstones

Cordierite Vs Rosasite

Cordierite Vs Riebeckite

Cordierite Vs Plumbogummite

Cordierite and Hercynite Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Cordierite and Hercynite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Cordierite and Hercynite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Cordierite is 4.39 whereas that of Hercynite is 4.39.