Cordierite and Howlite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Brittle
Not Available
Solubility
Not Available
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.57-2.66
2.45-2.58
Fracture
Subconchoidal, Conchoidal, Brittle
UnevenArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), UnevenArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), Brittle, Conchoidal
Cleavage
Fair on {100}, poor on {001} and {010}
None
Mohs Hardness
7-7.5
3-3.5
Chemical Composition
Mg2Al4Si5O18
Ca 2B 5SiO 9(OH) 5Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
Cordierite and Howlite Chemical Formula
While comparing Cordierite and Howlite 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 Howlite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Cordierite- Mg2Al4Si5O18
- Chemical formula of Howlite- Ca 2B 5SiO 9(OH) 5Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
Cordierite and Howlite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Cordierite and Howlite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Cordierite and Howlite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Cordierite is 2.45-2.58 whereas that of Howlite is 2.45-2.58.