Cordierite and Purpurite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Brittle
Not Available
Solubility
Not Available
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.57-2.66
3.2-3.4
Fracture
Subconchoidal, Conchoidal, Brittle
Uneven, UnevenArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), Brittle
Cleavage
Fair on {100}, poor on {001} and {010}
[100] [001] perfect
Mohs Hardness
7-7.5
4-4.5
Chemical Composition
Mg2Al4Si5O18
MnPO 4Walter Schumann , Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references
Cordierite and Purpurite Chemical Formula
While comparing Cordierite and Purpurite 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 Purpurite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Cordierite- Mg2Al4Si5O18
- Chemical formula of Purpurite- MnPO 4Walter Schumann , Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references
Cordierite and Purpurite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Cordierite and Purpurite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Cordierite and Purpurite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Cordierite is 3.2-3.4 whereas that of Purpurite is 3.2-3.4.