Cordierite and Moissanite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Brittle
  
Not Available
  
Solubility
Not Available
  
none
  
Durability
Not Available
  
Not Available
  
Specific Gravity
2.57-2.66
  
3.17-3.24
  
Fracture
Subconchoidal, Conchoidal, Brittle
  
Conchoidal, ConchoidalAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001), Brittle
  
Cleavage
Fair on {100}, poor on {001} and {010}
  
(0001) indistinct
  
Mohs Hardness
7-7.5
  
9-9.5
  
Chemical Composition
Mg2Al4Si5O18
  
SiCArthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
  
Cordierite and Moissanite Chemical Formula
While comparing Cordierite and Moissanite 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 Moissanite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Cordierite- Mg2Al4Si5O18
- Chemical formula of Moissanite- SiCArthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
Cordierite and Moissanite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Cordierite and Moissanite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Cordierite and Moissanite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Cordierite is 3.17-3.24 whereas that of Moissanite is 3.17-3.24.