Cordierite and Rossmanite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Brittle
  
Not Available
  
Solubility
Not Available
  
Not Available
  
Durability
Not Available
  
Not Available
  
Specific Gravity
2.57-2.66
  
3
  
Fracture
Subconchoidal, Conchoidal, Brittle
  
Brittle, Metallic
  
Cleavage
Fair on {100}, poor on {001} and {010}
  
None
  
Mohs Hardness
7-7.5
  
Not Available
  
Chemical Composition
Mg2Al4Si5O18
  
◻(LiAl 2)Al 6(Si 6O 18)(BO 3) 3(OH) 3(OH)Gemdat.org , Management Team (2012)
  
Cordierite and Rossmanite Chemical Formula
While comparing Cordierite and Rossmanite 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 Rossmanite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Cordierite- Mg2Al4Si5O18
- Chemical formula of Rossmanite- ◻(LiAl 2)Al 6(Si 6O 18)(BO 3) 3(OH) 3(OH)Gemdat.org , Management Team (2012)
Cordierite and Rossmanite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Cordierite and Rossmanite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Cordierite and Rossmanite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Cordierite is 3 whereas that of Rossmanite is 3.