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Morganite vs Spinel

Spinel is harder (Mohs 8) than Morganite (Mohs 7.5–8), so it resists scratching better.

Spinel has the higher refractive index (1.718 vs 1.583–1.590), which a refractometer can use to separate them.

Spinel is denser (SG 3.6 vs 2.8); a spinel of the same size weighs about 29% more.

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PropertyMorganiteSpinel
Species / materialBerylSpinel
Mohs hardness7.5–88
Refractive index1.583–1.5901.718
Specific gravity2.83.6
Crystal systemHexagonalCubic
Birefringence0.008–0.009None (isotropic)

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

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