Cordierite and Witherite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Brittle
  
Not Available
  
Solubility
Not Available
  
Not Available
  
Durability
Not Available
  
Not Available
  
Specific Gravity
2.57-2.66
  
4.27-4.35
  
Fracture
Subconchoidal, Conchoidal, Brittle
  
UnevenArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), UnevenArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), Conchoidal, Brittle
  
Cleavage
Fair on {100}, poor on {001} and {010}
  
{010} Distinct
  
Mohs Hardness
7-7.5
  
3-3.5
  
Chemical Composition
Mg2Al4Si5O18
  
BaCO 3Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
  
Cordierite and Witherite Chemical Formula
While comparing Cordierite and Witherite 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 Witherite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Cordierite- Mg2Al4Si5O18
- Chemical formula of Witherite- BaCO 3Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
Cordierite and Witherite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Cordierite and Witherite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Cordierite and Witherite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Cordierite is 4.27-4.35 whereas that of Witherite is 4.27-4.35.