Cordierite and Powellite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Brittle
Not Available
Solubility
Not Available
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.57-2.66
4.23
Fracture
Subconchoidal, Conchoidal, Brittle
UnevenAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001), UnevenAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001), Brittle, Conchoidal
Cleavage
Fair on {100}, poor on {001} and {010}
{111} Distinct
Mohs Hardness
7-7.5
3.5-4
Chemical Composition
Mg2Al4Si5O18
CaMoO 4Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
Cordierite and Powellite Chemical Formula
While comparing Cordierite and Powellite 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 Powellite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Cordierite- Mg2Al4Si5O18
- Chemical formula of Powellite- CaMoO 4Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
Cordierite and Powellite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Cordierite and Powellite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Cordierite and Powellite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Cordierite is 4.23 whereas that of Powellite is 4.23.