Topaz vs Jadeite jade
Topaz is harder (Mohs 8) than Jadeite jade (Mohs 6.5–7), so it resists scratching better; Jadeite jade is softer than quartz dust (7) and needs more care in everyday rings.
Jadeite jade has the higher refractive index (1.66 vs 1.609–1.643), which a refractometer can use to separate them.
Topaz is denser (SG 3.53 vs 3.34); a topaz of the same size weighs about 6% more.
Advertisement
Ad space (in-content)
| Property | Topaz | Jadeite jade |
|---|---|---|
| Species / material | Topaz | Jadeite (pyroxene) |
| Mohs hardness | 8 | 6.5–7 |
| Refractive index | 1.609–1.643 | 1.66 |
| Specific gravity | 3.53 | 3.34 |
| Crystal system | Orthorhombic | Monoclinic (aggregate) |
| Birefringence | 0.008–0.010 | Not usually measurable |
Values are typical ranges from standard gemmological references; individual stones can vary.
Test it yourself
More comparisons
Diamond vs TopazDiamond vs Jadeite jadeRuby vs TopazRuby vs Jadeite jadeSapphire vs TopazSapphire vs Jadeite jadeEmerald vs TopazEmerald vs Jadeite jadeAquamarine vs TopazAquamarine vs Jadeite jadeMorganite vs TopazMorganite vs Jadeite jadeAlexandrite vs TopazAlexandrite vs Jadeite jadeSpinel vs TopazSpinel vs Jadeite jade