Precious Opal and Cordierite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Not Available
  
Brittle
  
Solubility
Not Available
  
Not Available
  
Durability
Not Available
  
Not Available
  
Specific Gravity
1.98-2.25
  
2.57-2.66
  
Fracture
Conchoidal, Conchoidal, Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references
  
Subconchoidal, Conchoidal, Brittle
  
Cleavage
Not Available
  
Fair on {100}, poor on {001} and {010}
  
Mohs Hardness
5-6.5
  
7-7.5
  
Chemical Composition
SiO 2 · nH 2OGemdat.org , Management Team (2012)
  
Mg2Al4Si5O18
  
Precious Opal and Cordierite Chemical Formula
While comparing Precious Opal 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 Precious Opal and Cordierite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Precious Opal- SiO 2 · nH 2OGemdat.org , Management Team (2012)
- Chemical formula of Cordierite- Mg2Al4Si5O18
Precious Opal and Cordierite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Precious Opal and Cordierite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Precious Opal and Cordierite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Precious Opal is 2.57-2.66 whereas that of Cordierite is 2.57-2.66.