Cordierite vs Mg2SiO4
Ceramic · grade comparison
Cordierite and Mg2SiO4 are both ceramic grades. Mg2SiO4 is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 65 MPa (9.43 ksi) against 25 MPa (3.63 ksi) for Cordierite, about 160% more. Mg2SiO4 is harder — 750 HV against 700 HV for Cordierite — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. Cordierite is lighter (2.3 g/cm³ vs 2.85 g/cm³ for Mg2SiO4) and Mg2SiO4 is stiffer (130 GPa vs 70 GPa). On the shop floor, Cordierite machines more easily (poor vs not recommended).
CordieriteChoose it when weight is the constraint, or when the part sees heat.
Mg2SiO4Choose it when strength drives the design, or when surface hardness matters.
Cordierite vs Mg2SiO4: propertiesHow to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all ceramic grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
How to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all ceramic grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
Mechanical
Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.
Elastic (Young's) Modulus
Shear Modulus
Bulk Modulus
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Compressive Strength
Flexural Strength
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Hardness, Vickers
Hardness, Knoop
Same in both: Hardness, Mohs 7
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Point (Solidus)
Porosity
Refractive Index
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Specific Heat Capacity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Min Service Temperature -200°C-328 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Dielectric Strength
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
Volume Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Polishability
Sintering / Firing Temperature
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Typical Recycled Content
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Thermal Diffusivity
Same in both: Thermal Shock Resistance Index 0
Strength versus weight
Yield strength against density for every ceramic grade in the FabDigit library; the compared grades are highlighted. Up and left is stronger for its weight.
Manufacturing and finishing
| Capability | Cordierite | Mg2SiO4 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Cordierite vs Mg2SiO4 — frequently asked
Is Mg2SiO4 stronger than Cordierite?
Yes. Mg2SiO4 has a typical tensile strength of 65 MPa (9.43 ksi) against 25 MPa (3.63 ksi) for Cordierite — about 160% more.
Which is cheaper, Cordierite or Mg2SiO4?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, Cordierite or Mg2SiO4?
Cordierite. Its machinability rates poor (20/100) against not recommended (8/100) for Mg2SiO4.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Cordierite and Mg2SiO4 side by side — material, machining time, tolerance and finish in one quote. Certified material data ships with the order on request.
Typical handbook values for the conditions named above, normalised for comparison. Hardness on non-Brinell scales is converted approximately for charting only. Request certified data with your order for design-critical properties.