Cordierite Iolite and Spinel Physical Properties
Tenacity
Not Available
  
Not Available
  
Solubility
Not Available
  
none
  
Durability
Not Available
  
Not Available
  
Specific Gravity
2.56-2.66
  
3.64-3.66
  
Fracture
Uneven, Uneven, ConchoidalWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
  
Conchoidal, Uneven, ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009)
  
Cleavage
Not Available
  
None, but may exhibit slight parting
  
Mohs Hardness
7-7.5
  
8
  
Chemical Composition
Mg 2Al 4Si 5O 18Ulrich Henn and Claudio C.
  
MgAl2O4
  
Cordierite Iolite and Spinel Chemical Formula
While comparing Cordierite Iolite and Spinel 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 Iolite and Spinel chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Cordierite Iolite- Mg 2Al 4Si 5O 18Ulrich Henn and Claudio C.
- Chemical formula of Spinel- MgAl2O4
Cordierite Iolite and Spinel Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Cordierite Iolite and Spinel Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Cordierite Iolite and Spinel Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Cordierite Iolite is 3.64-3.66 whereas that of Spinel is 3.64-3.66.