Aquamarine vs Amethyst
Aquamarine is harder (Mohs 7.5–8) than Amethyst (Mohs 7), so it resists scratching better.
Aquamarine has the higher refractive index (1.577–1.583 vs 1.544–1.553), which a refractometer can use to separate them.
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| Property | Aquamarine | Amethyst |
|---|---|---|
| Species / material | Beryl | Quartz |
| Mohs hardness | 7.5–8 | 7 |
| Refractive index | 1.577–1.583 | 1.544–1.553 |
| Specific gravity | 2.72 | 2.65 |
| Crystal system | Hexagonal | Trigonal |
| Birefringence | 0.005–0.009 | 0.009 |
Values are typical ranges from standard gemmological references; individual stones can vary.
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