Cordierite and Melanite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Brittle
  
Not Available
  
Solubility
Not Available
  
Not Available
  
Durability
Not Available
  
Not Available
  
Specific Gravity
2.57-2.66
  
3.70-4.10
  
Fracture
Subconchoidal, Conchoidal, Brittle
  
ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009)
  
Cleavage
Fair on {100}, poor on {001} and {010}
  
Not Available
  
Mohs Hardness
7-7.5
  
6.5-7
  
Chemical Composition
Mg2Al4Si5O18
  
Ca 3Fe 2(SiO 4) 3Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
  
Cordierite and Melanite Chemical Formula
While comparing Cordierite and Melanite 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 Melanite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Cordierite- Mg2Al4Si5O18
- Chemical formula of Melanite- Ca 3Fe 2(SiO 4) 3Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
Cordierite and Melanite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Cordierite and Melanite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Cordierite and Melanite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Cordierite is 3.70-4.10 whereas that of Melanite is 3.70-4.10.