Nephrite and Cordierite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Not Available
Brittle
Solubility
Not Available
Not Available
Durability
Not Available
Not Available
Specific Gravity
2.90-3.10
2.57-2.66
Fracture
Splintery, Granular, Splintery, Granular, Gemstones (2009)
Subconchoidal, Conchoidal, Brittle
Cleavage
Not Available
Fair on {100}, poor on {001} and {010}
Mohs Hardness
6-6.5
7-7.5
Chemical Composition
Ca 2(Mg,Fe) 5(OH) 2Walter Schumann , Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references
Mg2Al4Si5O18
Nephrite and Cordierite Chemical Formula
While comparing Nephrite and Cordierite 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 Nephrite and Cordierite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Nephrite- Ca 2(Mg,Fe) 5(OH) 2Walter Schumann , Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references
- Chemical formula of Cordierite- Mg2Al4Si5O18
Nephrite and Cordierite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Nephrite and Cordierite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Nephrite and Cordierite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Nephrite is 2.57-2.66 whereas that of Cordierite is 2.57-2.66.