Cordierite and Shigaite Physical Properties

Cordierite

Shigaite

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1 Physical Properties

1.1 Tenacity

Brittle

Moderately ﬂexible

1.2 Solubility

Not Available

1.3 Durability

Not Available

1.4 Specific Gravity

2.57-2.662.32

1 7.18

1.5 Fracture

Subconchoidal, Conchoidal, Brittle

Flexible Flexible fragments.

1.6 Cleavage

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

Perfect on {0001}

1.7 Mohs Hardness

7-7.52

2 10

1.8 Chemical Composition

Mg2Al4Si5O18

Not Available

Cordierite and Shigaite Chemical Formula

While comparing Cordierite and Shigaite 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 Shigaite chemical formula.

Chemical formula of Cordierite- Mg2Al4Si5O18

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Cordierite and Shigaite Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Cordierite and Shigaite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Cordierite and Shigaite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Cordierite is 2.32 whereas that of Shigaite is 2.32.