Diamond vs Spinel
Diamond is harder (Mohs 10) than Spinel (Mohs 8), so it resists scratching better.
Diamond has the higher refractive index (2.417 vs 1.718), which a refractometer (over-the-limit reading) can use to separate them.
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| Property | Diamond | Spinel |
|---|---|---|
| Species / material | Diamond (carbon) | Spinel |
| Mohs hardness | 10 | 8 |
| Refractive index | 2.417 | 1.718 |
| Specific gravity | 3.52 | 3.6 |
| Crystal system | Cubic | Cubic |
| Birefringence | None (isotropic) | None (isotropic) |
Values are typical ranges from standard gemmological references; individual stones can vary.
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