Spinel vs Tourmaline
Spinel is harder (Mohs 8) than Tourmaline (Mohs 7–7.5), so it resists scratching better.
Spinel has the higher refractive index (1.718 vs 1.624–1.644), which a refractometer can use to separate them.
Spinel is denser (SG 3.6 vs 3.06); a spinel of the same size weighs about 18% more.
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| Property | Spinel | Tourmaline |
|---|---|---|
| Species / material | Spinel | Tourmaline |
| Mohs hardness | 8 | 7–7.5 |
| Refractive index | 1.718 | 1.624–1.644 |
| Specific gravity | 3.6 | 3.06 |
| Crystal system | Cubic | Trigonal |
| Birefringence | None (isotropic) | 0.014–0.021 |
Values are typical ranges from standard gemmological references; individual stones can vary.
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