Diamond vs Tanzanite
Diamond is harder (Mohs 10) than Tanzanite (Mohs 6–7), so it resists scratching better; Tanzanite is softer than quartz dust (7) and needs more care in everyday rings.
Diamond has the higher refractive index (2.417 vs 1.691–1.700), which a refractometer (over-the-limit reading) can use to separate them.
Diamond is denser (SG 3.52 vs 3.35); a diamond of the same size weighs about 5% more.
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| Property | Diamond | Tanzanite |
|---|---|---|
| Species / material | Diamond (carbon) | Zoisite |
| Mohs hardness | 10 | 6–7 |
| Refractive index | 2.417 | 1.691–1.700 |
| Specific gravity | 3.52 | 3.35 |
| Crystal system | Cubic | Orthorhombic |
| Birefringence | None (isotropic) | 0.008–0.013 |
Values are typical ranges from standard gemmological references; individual stones can vary.
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