Peridot vs Amethyst
Amethyst is harder (Mohs 7) than Peridot (Mohs 6.5–7), so it resists scratching better; Peridot is softer than quartz dust (7) and needs more care in everyday rings.
Peridot has the higher refractive index (1.654–1.690 vs 1.544–1.553), which a refractometer can use to separate them.
Peridot is denser (SG 3.34 vs 2.65); a peridot of the same size weighs about 26% more.
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| Property | Peridot | Amethyst |
|---|---|---|
| Species / material | Olivine (forsterite) | Quartz |
| Mohs hardness | 6.5–7 | 7 |
| Refractive index | 1.654–1.690 | 1.544–1.553 |
| Specific gravity | 3.34 | 2.65 |
| Crystal system | Orthorhombic | Trigonal |
| Birefringence | 0.035–0.038 | 0.009 |
Values are typical ranges from standard gemmological references; individual stones can vary.
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