Cordierite and Orthoclase Physical Properties

Cordierite

Orthoclase

Add ⊕

1 Physical Properties

1.1 Tenacity

Brittle

Not Available

1.2 Solubility

Not Available

1.3 Durability

Not Available

1.4 Specific Gravity

2.57-2.662.54-2.61

1 7.18

1.5 Fracture

Subconchoidal, Conchoidal, Brittle

Gems, Uneven

1.6 Cleavage

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

Has perfect cleavage on {001} and good cleavage on {010}. Cleavages intersect at 90°.

1.7 Mohs Hardness

7-7.56

2 10

1.8 Chemical Composition

Mg2Al4Si5O18

KAlSi 3O 8Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references

Cordierite and Orthoclase Chemical Formula

While comparing Cordierite and Orthoclase 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 Orthoclase chemical formula.

Chemical formula of Cordierite- Mg2Al4Si5O18
Chemical formula of Orthoclase- KAlSi 3O 8Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references

Compare Blue Gemstones

Cordierite Vs Riebeckite

Cordierite Vs Rosasite

Cordierite Vs Plumbogummite

Cordierite and Orthoclase Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Cordierite and Orthoclase Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Cordierite and Orthoclase Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Cordierite is 2.54-2.61 whereas that of Orthoclase is 2.54-2.61.