Liam Bishop
Earth Science
Current Events
2/27/15
What is Cordierite?
Geology.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Feb. 2015.
Cordierite is a silicate mineral that is found in metamorphic and igneous rocks. It is violet in color and is one of the strongest pleochroic minerals. The chemical formula for cordierite is (Mg,Fe)2Al4Si5O18, and is known for being used in the gem industry. However,when the mineral is in transparent form and used in jewelry, it is known as iolite. Most cordierite forms through the metamorphism of shales and other argillaceous rocks. Through weathering, cordierite eventually turns into mica and chlorite. Cordierite is in the 7-7.5 range on Mohs Hardness Scale, poor cleavage, colorless streak, has an orthorhombic crystal system, and has a transparent and greasy luster. Besides its transparent form being used as a gem, it has very few uses. The only other use is sometimes in ceramics it is used to kiln furniture because it is highly resistant to large temperature changes. When a mineral has Pleochroism, it can be seen as having different colors from different angles, Because cordierite has this attribute, it can be seen as yellow, dark violet, light violet, or even colorless from some angles.
Although there is little to no connection that would affect society from this article, I still found it very interesting because I had no idea that this mineral existed in the first place. However, I say that their is no effect because it is not used anywhere besides making gems. Also, most jewelry stores do not even market it because it is not known. However, scientists believe that this could change as cordierite is a very common mineral which can most likely be found in every continent except for antarctica. If this is true, we may be able to mine more of it, causing more jewelry stores will be able to sell it adding a new gem to the jewelry business.
Because this article was meant to explain to the reader about the mineral of cordierite, there is little to no analysis which I think could change. However, this is a very fact-based article which gives you the information you would need to be educated enough to write a report on cordierite. Also, I thought that the author did a great job of including a table which listed all of cordierite’s properties.
Interesting article. Although I am sure many would find it boring, you do present a good case on why it is fascinating to read about despite its lack of value to society. It is excellent to know that it could be a large factor in the future for the business landscape of jewelry. I also find that the many facts you present are certainly fascinating to say the least. I didn’t know either about this mineral, and I am glad to now be more aware of it. However, I do feel that you dumped the information in a very unfriendly way, and having to read it feels like a bit of a chore. However, overall, it is a good article, which could have been improved upon a bit more but is still interesting nonetheless.
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