Corundum and Sillimanite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Brittle
  
Tough
  
Solubility
insoluble
  
Not Available
  
Durability
Not Available
  
Not Available
  
Specific Gravity
3.90-4.05
  
3.20-3.26
  
Fracture
Uneven, Uneven, Gems, Difficult, Fibrous
  
Splintery
  
Cleavage
None – parting in 3 directions
  
{010} perfect
  
Mohs Hardness
9
  
6-7.5
  
Chemical Composition
Al 2O 3Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
  
Al 2SiO 5Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
  
Corundum and Sillimanite Chemical Formula
While comparing Corundum and Sillimanite 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 Corundum and Sillimanite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Corundum- Al 2O 3Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
- Chemical formula of Sillimanite- Al 2SiO 5Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
Corundum and Sillimanite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Corundum and Sillimanite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Corundum and Sillimanite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Corundum is 3.20-3.26 whereas that of Sillimanite is 3.20-3.26.