Spinel vs Zircon
Spinel is harder (Mohs 8) than Zircon (Mohs 6.5–7.5), so it resists scratching better; Zircon is softer than quartz dust (7) and needs more care in everyday rings.
Zircon has the higher refractive index (1.925–1.984 vs 1.718), which a refractometer (over-the-limit reading) can use to separate them.
Zircon is denser (SG 4.69 vs 3.6); a zircon of the same size weighs about 30% more.
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| Property | Spinel | Zircon |
|---|---|---|
| Species / material | Spinel | Zircon |
| Mohs hardness | 8 | 6.5–7.5 |
| Refractive index | 1.718 | 1.925–1.984 |
| Specific gravity | 3.6 | 4.69 |
| Crystal system | Cubic | Tetragonal |
| Birefringence | None (isotropic) | 0.059 |
Values are typical ranges from standard gemmological references; individual stones can vary.