Spinel and Corundum Physical Properties
Tenacity
Not Available
  
Brittle
  
Solubility
none
  
insoluble
  
Durability
Not Available
  
Not Available
  
Specific Gravity
3.64-3.66
  
3.90-4.05
  
Fracture
Conchoidal, Uneven, ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009)
  
Uneven, Uneven, Gems, Difficult, Fibrous
  
Cleavage
None, but may exhibit slight parting
  
None – parting in 3 directions
  
Mohs Hardness
8
  
9
  
Chemical Composition
MgAl2O4
  
Al 2O 3Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
  
Spinel and Corundum Chemical Formula
While comparing Spinel and Corundum 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 Corundum chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Spinel- MgAl2O4
- Chemical formula of Corundum- Al 2O 3Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
Spinel and Corundum Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Spinel and Corundum Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Spinel and Corundum Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Spinel is 3.90-4.05 whereas that of Corundum is 3.90-4.05.