Aquamarine vs Topaz
Aquamarine and Topaz are easy to confuse. Here’s how they stack up on the properties that actually separate them.
| Aquamarine | Topaz | |
|---|---|---|
| Also known as | Beryl (Beryl family) | — |
| Colour | Blue | Blue, Yellow, Clear, White, Brown |
| Mohs hardness | 7.5–8.0 | 8 (defining mineral) |
| Lustre | Vitreous to resinous | Vitreous |
| Streak | White | Grayish White |
| Crystal system | Hexagonal | Orthorhombic |
| Transparency | Transparent to translucent | Transparent |
| Cleavage | Imperfect on {0001} | [001] Perfect |
| Fracture | Conchoidal to irregular | Subconchoidal to uneven |
| Specific gravity | 2.63–2.92 | 3.49–3.57 |
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Frequently asked questions
What's the easiest way to tell Aquamarine from Topaz?
Compare lustre, streak and crystal habit side by side — colour alone won't settle it.