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Diamond vs Amethyst

Diamond is harder (Mohs 10) than Amethyst (Mohs 7), so it resists scratching better.

Diamond has the higher refractive index (2.417 vs 1.544–1.553), which a refractometer (over-the-limit reading) can use to separate them.

Diamond is denser (SG 3.52 vs 2.65); a diamond of the same size weighs about 33% more.

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PropertyDiamondAmethyst
Species / materialDiamond (carbon)Quartz
Mohs hardness107
Refractive index2.4171.544–1.553
Specific gravity3.522.65
Crystal systemCubicTrigonal
BirefringenceNone (isotropic)0.009

Values are typical ranges from standard gemmological references; individual stones can vary.

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