Cordierite and Whitlockite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Brittle
Not Available
Solubility
Not Available
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.57-2.66
3.12
Fracture
Subconchoidal, Conchoidal, Brittle
Uneven, Uneven, ConchoidalAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001), Brittle
Cleavage
Fair on {100}, poor on {001} and {010}
None
Mohs Hardness
7-7.5
Not Available
Chemical Composition
Mg2Al4Si5O18
Ca 9(Mg,Fe2+ )(PO 4) 6(PO 3OH)Anthony et al , Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
Cordierite and Whitlockite Chemical Formula
While comparing Cordierite and Whitlockite 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 Whitlockite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Cordierite- Mg2Al4Si5O18
- Chemical formula of Whitlockite- Ca 9(Mg,Fe2+ )(PO 4) 6(PO 3OH)Anthony et al , Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
Cordierite and Whitlockite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Cordierite and Whitlockite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Cordierite and Whitlockite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Cordierite is 3.12 whereas that of Whitlockite is 3.12.