Comparison · Minerals
Aegirine vs Hornblende
Aegirine and Hornblende are easy to confuse because both are minerals. Both sit near Mohs 6–6.5, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Below is a side-by-side comparison of their properties and the quick tests that separate them.
Key differences between Aegirine and Hornblende
- Both sit near Mohs 6–6.5, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
- Streak color differs: Aegirine leaves a pale green to grayish yellow streak on unglazed porcelain, Hornblende leaves pale gray to colorless.
Aegirine vs Hornblende properties
| Property | Aegirine | Hornblende |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Minerals | Minerals |
| Mohs hardness | 6–6.5 | 5–6 |
| Luster | Vitreous | Vitreous to silky |
| Streak | Pale green to grayish yellow | Pale gray to colorless |
| Transparency | Translucent to opaque | Translucent to opaque |
| Specific gravity | 3.4–3.6 | 3.0–3.4 |
| Crystal system | Monoclinic | Monoclinic |
| Common colors | Dark green, Black, Brown-green | Black, Dark green, Dark brown |
| Rarity | common | common |
| Typical specimen value | $2–$150+ | $2–$150+ |
Which is more valuable?
Typical specimens of Aegirine and Hornblende trade in a similar range, around $20.
About Aegirine
Aegirine is a sodium iron silicate belonging to the pyroxene group, with the formula NaFeSi2O6. It crystallizes in the monoclinic system, typically forming slender, wedge-tipped prisms in alkaline igneous rocks. Its dark green to black color and glassy luster distinguish it from other common pyroxenes.
About Hornblende
Hornblende is the most common member of the amphibole mineral group, a complex calcium-iron-magnesium aluminosilicate that forms dark, elongated prismatic crystals in a wide variety of igneous and metamorphic rocks. It typically appears black to dark green and is easily recognized by a characteristic cleavage angle of about 56 and 124 degrees. Hornblende is a rock-forming mineral rather than a gem, though well-formed crystals are collected for their sharp form.
Aegirine vs Hornblende FAQ
Is Aegirine the same as Hornblende?
No. Both are minerals, but they are distinct species with different hardness, streak or luster. Both sit near Mohs 6–6.5, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
How can you tell Aegirine from Hornblende?
Both sit near Mohs 6–6.5, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Streak color differs: Aegirine leaves a pale green to grayish yellow streak on unglazed porcelain, Hornblende leaves pale gray to colorless.
Which is harder, Aegirine or Hornblende?
Aegirine is harder: Mohs 6–6.5 against Mohs 5–6 for Hornblende.
Which is more valuable, Aegirine or Hornblende?
Typical specimens of Aegirine and Hornblende trade in a similar range, around $20.
