Tourmaline vs Zircon
Tourmaline is harder (Mohs 7–7.5) 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 1.624–1.644), which a refractometer (over-the-limit reading) can use to separate them.
Zircon is denser (SG 4.69 vs 3.06); a zircon of the same size weighs about 53% more.
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| Property | Tourmaline | Zircon |
|---|---|---|
| Species / material | Tourmaline | Zircon |
| Mohs hardness | 7–7.5 | 6.5–7.5 |
| Refractive index | 1.624–1.644 | 1.925–1.984 |
| Specific gravity | 3.06 | 4.69 |
| Crystal system | Trigonal | Tetragonal |
| Birefringence | 0.014–0.021 | 0.059 |
Values are typical ranges from standard gemmological references; individual stones can vary.
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