Spinel and Cordierite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Not Available
  
Brittle
  
Solubility
none
  
Not Available
  
Durability
Not Available
  
Not Available
  
Specific Gravity
3.64-3.66
  
2.57-2.66
  
Fracture
Conchoidal, Uneven, ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009)
  
Subconchoidal, Conchoidal, Brittle
  
Cleavage
None, but may exhibit slight parting
  
Fair on {100}, poor on {001} and {010}
  
Mohs Hardness
8
  
7-7.5
  
Chemical Composition
MgAl2O4
  
Mg2Al4Si5O18
  
Spinel and Cordierite Chemical Formula
While comparing Spinel 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 Spinel and Cordierite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Spinel- MgAl2O4
- Chemical formula of Cordierite- Mg2Al4Si5O18
Spinel and Cordierite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Spinel and Cordierite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Spinel and Cordierite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Spinel is 2.57-2.66 whereas that of Cordierite is 2.57-2.66.