Spinel vs Tanzanite
Spinel is harder (Mohs 8) than Tanzanite (Mohs 6–7), so it resists scratching better; Tanzanite is softer than quartz dust (7) and needs more care in everyday rings.
Spinel has the higher refractive index (1.718 vs 1.691–1.700), which a refractometer can use to separate them.
Spinel is denser (SG 3.6 vs 3.35); a spinel of the same size weighs about 7% more.
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| Property | Spinel | Tanzanite |
|---|---|---|
| Species / material | Spinel | Zoisite |
| Mohs hardness | 8 | 6–7 |
| Refractive index | 1.718 | 1.691–1.700 |
| Specific gravity | 3.6 | 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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