Comparison · Precious Stones
Alexandrite vs Emerald
Alexandrite and Emerald are easy to confuse because both are precious stones. Alexandrite is harder (Mohs 8.5) than Emerald (Mohs 7.5), so Alexandrite will scratch Emerald and not the other way round. It scratches glass, steel and even quartz; only harder gems will mark it. Below is a side-by-side comparison of their properties and the quick tests that separate them.
Key differences between Alexandrite and Emerald
- Alexandrite is harder (Mohs 8.5) than Emerald (Mohs 7.5), so Alexandrite will scratch Emerald and not the other way round. It scratches glass, steel and even quartz; only harder gems will mark it.
- Alexandrite feels noticeably heavier for its size (specific gravity 3.7 versus 2.76 for Emerald).
- They overlap in green, but Alexandrite also comes in red and Emerald also comes in yellow.
- Well-formed crystals give it away: Alexandrite is orthorhombic, Emerald is hexagonal.
Alexandrite vs Emerald properties
| Property | Alexandrite | Emerald |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Precious Stones | Precious Stones |
| Mohs hardness | 8.5 | 7.5 |
| Luster | vitreous | vitreous |
| Streak | White | White |
| Transparency | transparent | transparent |
| Specific gravity | 3.7 | 2.76 |
| Crystal system | orthorhombic | hexagonal |
| Common colors | Green in daylight, Red in incandescent light | Green, Bluish Green, Yellowish Green |
| Rarity | epic | legendary |
| Typical specimen value | $5000–$70000+ | $500–$50000+ |
Which is more valuable?
Alexandrite is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $15000 against $3000 for Emerald, and premium Alexandrite can reach $70000 or more.
About Alexandrite
Alexandrite is a rare color-changing variety of chrysoberyl that appears green in daylight and red under incandescent light. It's one of the rarest gemstones.
About Emerald
Emerald is a green variety of beryl, colored by trace amounts of chromium and vanadium. It's one of the four precious gemstones.
Alexandrite vs Emerald FAQ
Is Alexandrite the same as Emerald?
No. Both are precious stones, but they are distinct species with different hardness, streak or luster. Alexandrite is harder (Mohs 8.5) than Emerald (Mohs 7.5), so Alexandrite will scratch Emerald and not the other way round. It scratches glass, steel and even quartz; only harder gems will mark it.
How can you tell Alexandrite from Emerald?
Alexandrite is harder (Mohs 8.5) than Emerald (Mohs 7.5), so Alexandrite will scratch Emerald and not the other way round. It scratches glass, steel and even quartz; only harder gems will mark it. Alexandrite feels noticeably heavier for its size (specific gravity 3.7 versus 2.76 for Emerald). They overlap in green, but Alexandrite also comes in red and Emerald also comes in yellow.
Which is harder, Alexandrite or Emerald?
Alexandrite is harder: Mohs 8.5 against Mohs 7.5 for Emerald.
Which is more valuable, Alexandrite or Emerald?
Alexandrite is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $15000 against $3000 for Emerald, and premium Alexandrite can reach $70000 or more.
