Cordierite and Microcline Physical Properties

Cordierite

Microcline

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1 Physical Properties

1.1 Tenacity

Brittle

Not Available

1.2 Solubility

Not Available

1.3 Durability

Not Available

1.4 Specific Gravity

2.57-2.662.55-2.63

1 7.18

1.5 Fracture

Subconchoidal, Conchoidal, Brittle

Uneven, Uneven, Gems

1.6 Cleavage

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

{001} Perfect, {010} Good

1.7 Mohs Hardness

7-7.56-6.5

2 10

1.8 Chemical Composition

Mg2Al4Si5O18

KAlSi 3O 8Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)

Cordierite and Microcline Chemical Formula

While comparing Cordierite and Microcline 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 Microcline chemical formula.

Chemical formula of Cordierite- Mg2Al4Si5O18
Chemical formula of Microcline- KAlSi 3O 8Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)

Compare Blue Gemstones

Cordierite Vs Rosasite

Cordierite Vs Plumbogummite

Cordierite Vs Riebeckite

Cordierite and Microcline Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Cordierite and Microcline Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Cordierite and Microcline Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Cordierite is 2.55-2.63 whereas that of Microcline is 2.55-2.63.