Cordierite and Petalite Physical Properties

Cordierite

Petalite

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1 Physical Properties

1.1 Tenacity

Brittle

1.2 Solubility

Not Available

insoluble

1.3 Durability

Not Available

1.4 Specific Gravity

2.57-2.662.40

1 7.18

1.5 Fracture

Subconchoidal, Conchoidal, Brittle

Subconchoidal, ConchoidalWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references, Brittle, Conchoidal

1.6 Cleavage

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

Perfect on {001}, poor on {201} with 38.5° angle between the two

1.7 Mohs Hardness

7-7.56-6.5

2 10

1.8 Chemical Composition

Mg2Al4Si5O18

LiAlSi 4O 10Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references

Cordierite and Petalite Chemical Formula

While comparing Cordierite and Petalite 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 Petalite chemical formula.

Chemical formula of Cordierite- Mg2Al4Si5O18
Chemical formula of Petalite- LiAlSi 4O 10Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references

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Cordierite and Petalite Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Cordierite and Petalite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Cordierite and Petalite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Cordierite is 2.40 whereas that of Petalite is 2.40.