Tanzanite vs Zircon
Zircon is harder (Mohs 6.5–7.5) than Tanzanite (Mohs 6–7), so it resists scratching better; Tanzanite is softer than quartz dust (7) and needs more care in everyday rings.
Zircon has the higher refractive index (1.925–1.984 vs 1.691–1.700), which a refractometer (over-the-limit reading) can use to separate them.
Zircon is denser (SG 4.69 vs 3.35); a zircon of the same size weighs about 40% more.
Advertisement
Ad space (in-content)
| Property | Tanzanite | Zircon |
|---|---|---|
| Species / material | Zoisite | Zircon |
| Mohs hardness | 6–7 | 6.5–7.5 |
| Refractive index | 1.691–1.700 | 1.925–1.984 |
| Specific gravity | 3.35 | 4.69 |
| Crystal system | Orthorhombic | Tetragonal |
| Birefringence | 0.008–0.013 | 0.059 |
Values are typical ranges from standard gemmological references; individual stones can vary.
Test it yourself
More comparisons
Diamond vs TanzaniteDiamond vs ZirconRuby vs TanzaniteRuby vs ZirconSapphire vs TanzaniteSapphire vs ZirconEmerald vs TanzaniteEmerald vs ZirconAquamarine vs TanzaniteAquamarine vs ZirconMorganite vs TanzaniteMorganite vs ZirconAlexandrite vs TanzaniteAlexandrite vs ZirconSpinel vs TanzaniteSpinel vs Zircon