Cordierite and Spodumene Physical Properties
Tenacity
Brittle
  
Brittle
  
Solubility
Not Available
  
insoluble
  
Durability
Not Available
  
Not Available
  
Specific Gravity
2.57-2.66
  
3.15-3.21
  
Fracture
Subconchoidal, Conchoidal, Brittle
  
Uneven, Subconchoidal, Gemstones (2009)
  
Cleavage
Fair on {100}, poor on {001} and {010}
  
Perfect prismatic, two directions {110} ∧ {1 1 0} at 87°
  
Mohs Hardness
7-7.5
  
6-7
  
Chemical Composition
Mg2Al4Si5O18
  
LiAlSi2O6
  
Cordierite and Spodumene Chemical Formula
While comparing Cordierite and Spodumene 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 Spodumene chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Cordierite- Mg2Al4Si5O18
- Chemical formula of Spodumene- LiAlSi2O6
Cordierite and Spodumene Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Cordierite and Spodumene Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Cordierite and Spodumene Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Cordierite is 3.15-3.21 whereas that of Spodumene is 3.15-3.21.