Cordierite
Description
A strongly dichroic, transparent crystal that is occasionally used as a Gemstone. Cordierite is a silicate of Magnesium, Aluminum, and sometimes Iron. It exhibits a dark, purplish-blue color from one direction and a pale yellowish gray color when turned 90 degrees. Cordierite is thought to be the sunstone whose strong polarizing effects were used by the Vikings to navigate their boats. Gem quality stones are mined in northern Europe, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Madagascar, India, Canada, and the U.S. (Alaska, Wyoming, Connecticut). Cordierite is made synthetically at high temperatures from Clay, Talc, and Alumina.
Synonyms and Related Terms
cordierita (Esp.); cordierite (Port.); Cordierit (Deut.); cordieriet (Ned.)
Other Properties
Orthorhombic crystals but usually massive with embedded grains. Good cleavage in one direction. Fracture = conchoidal to uneven. Luster = vitreous. Streak = colorless. Strongly dichroic from yellowish brown to blue at 90 degrees
| Composition | (Mg, Fe)2Al4Si5O18 |
|---|---|
| Mohs Hardness | 7 - 7.5 |
| Density | 2.5-2.8 |
| Refractive Index | 1.53; 1.55; 1.55 |
Additional Information
Mineralogy Database: Cordierite
Sources Checked for Data in Record
- G.S.Brady, Materials Handbook, McGraw-Hill Book Co., New York, 1971 Comment: p.794
- Jack Odgen, Jewellery of the Ancient World, Rizzoli International Publications Inc., New York City, 1982
- Robert Fournier, Illustrated Dictionary of Practical Pottery, Chilton Book Company, Radnor, PA, 1992
- R.F.Symmes, T.T.Harding, Paul Taylor, Rocks, Fossils and Gems, DK Publishing, Inc., New York City, 1997
- Encyclopedia Britannica, http://www.britannica.com Comment: "cordierite" Encyclopædia Britannica [Accessed December 11, 2001]. (color photo)(tech info)
- C.W.Chesterman, K.E.Lowe, Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Rocks and Minerals, Alfred A. Knopf, New York, 1979
- Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, at http://www.wikipedia.com Comment: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cordierite (Accessed Sept. 7, 2005)
- The American Heritage Dictionary or Encarta, via Microsoft Bookshelf 98, Microsoft Corp., 1998