Cordierite and Periclase Physical Properties
Tenacity
Brittle
  
Brittle
  
Solubility
Not Available
  
Not Available
  
Durability
Not Available
  
Not Available
  
Specific Gravity
2.57-2.66
  
3.7-3.9
  
Fracture
Subconchoidal, Conchoidal, Brittle
  
Conchoidal, Brittle
  
Cleavage
Fair on {100}, poor on {001} and {010}
  
{001} perfect; {111} imperfect, may exhibit parting on , {011}
  
Mohs Hardness
7-7.5
  
5.5-6
  
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)
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.