Cordierite and Triplite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Brittle
Not Available
Solubility
Not Available
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.57-2.66
3.85-3.94
Fracture
Subconchoidal, Conchoidal, Brittle
ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), Uneven
Cleavage
Fair on {100}, poor on {001} and {010}
{010} Good, {100} Distinct
Mohs Hardness
7-7.5
5-5.5
Chemical Composition
Mg2Al4Si5O18
(Mn2+ ,Fe2+ ,Mg,Ca) 2(PO 4)(F,OH)Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
Cordierite and Triplite Chemical Formula
While comparing Cordierite and Triplite 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 Triplite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Cordierite- Mg2Al4Si5O18
- Chemical formula of Triplite- (Mn2+ ,Fe2+ ,Mg,Ca) 2(PO 4)(F,OH)Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
Cordierite and Triplite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Cordierite and Triplite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Cordierite and Triplite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Cordierite is 3.85-3.94 whereas that of Triplite is 3.85-3.94.