Cordierite and Periclase Physical Properties

Cordierite

Periclase

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1 Physical Properties

1.1 Tenacity

Brittle

1.2 Solubility

Not Available

1.3 Durability

Not Available

1.4 Specific Gravity

2.57-2.663.7-3.9

1 7.18

1.5 Fracture

Subconchoidal, Conchoidal, Brittle

Conchoidal, Brittle

1.6 Cleavage

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

{001} perfect; {111} imperfect, may exhibit parting on , {011}

1.7 Mohs Hardness

7-7.55.5-6

2 10

1.8 Chemical Composition

Mg2Al4Si5O18

MgOMichael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)

Cordierite and Periclase Chemical Formula

While comparing Cordierite and Periclase 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 Periclase chemical formula.

Chemical formula of Cordierite- Mg2Al4Si5O18
Chemical formula of Periclase- MgOMichael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)

Compare Blue Gemstones

Cordierite Vs Riebeckite

Cordierite Vs Rosasite

Cordierite Vs Plumbogummite

Cordierite and Periclase Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Cordierite and Periclase Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Cordierite and Periclase Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Cordierite is 3.7-3.9 whereas that of Periclase is 3.7-3.9.