Aquamarine vs Tourmaline
Aquamarine is harder (Mohs 7.5–8) than Tourmaline (Mohs 7–7.5), so it resists scratching better.
Tourmaline has the higher refractive index (1.624–1.644 vs 1.577–1.583), which a refractometer can use to separate them.
Tourmaline is denser (SG 3.06 vs 2.72); a tourmaline of the same size weighs about 13% more.
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| Property | Aquamarine | Tourmaline |
|---|---|---|
| Species / material | Beryl | Tourmaline |
| Mohs hardness | 7.5–8 | 7–7.5 |
| Refractive index | 1.577–1.583 | 1.624–1.644 |
| Specific gravity | 2.72 | 3.06 |
| Crystal system | Hexagonal | Trigonal |
| Birefringence | 0.005–0.009 | 0.014–0.021 |
Values are typical ranges from standard gemmological references; individual stones can vary.
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