Comparison · Minerals
Amazonite vs Kyanite
Amazonite and Kyanite are easy to confuse because both are minerals. Amazonite is harder (Mohs 6) than Kyanite (Mohs 5), so Amazonite will scratch Kyanite and not the other way round. A steel knife blade (Mohs 5.5) scratches it; a copper coin does not. Below is a side-by-side comparison of their properties and the quick tests that separate them.
Key differences between Amazonite and Kyanite
- Amazonite is harder (Mohs 6) than Kyanite (Mohs 5), so Amazonite will scratch Kyanite and not the other way round. A steel knife blade (Mohs 5.5) scratches it; a copper coin does not.
- Kyanite feels noticeably heavier for its size (specific gravity 3.6 versus 2.56 for Amazonite).
- Hold a thin edge to the light: Amazonite is opaque, Kyanite is translucent.
- They overlap in green and blue, but Kyanite also comes in orange and black.
Amazonite vs Kyanite properties
| Property | Amazonite | Kyanite |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Minerals | Minerals |
| Mohs hardness | 6 | 5 |
| Luster | vitreous | vitreous |
| Streak | White | White |
| Transparency | opaque | translucent |
| Specific gravity | 2.56 | 3.6 |
| Crystal system | triclinic | triclinic |
| Common colors | Blue-Green, Turquoise, Green | Blue, Green, Orange, Black |
| Rarity | uncommon | uncommon |
| Typical specimen value | $5–$150+ | $10–$300+ |
Which is more valuable?
Kyanite is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $50 against $25 for Amazonite, and premium Kyanite can reach $300 or more.
About Amazonite
Amazonite is a green to blue-green variety of microcline feldspar. Despite its name, it's not found in the Amazon but was named for its color similarity to the river.
About Kyanite
Kyanite is a blue silicate mineral unique for having different hardness values depending on the direction of scratch (4-5 lengthwise, 6-7 crosswise).
Amazonite vs Kyanite FAQ
Is Amazonite the same as Kyanite?
No. Both are minerals, but they are distinct species with different hardness, streak or luster. Amazonite is harder (Mohs 6) than Kyanite (Mohs 5), so Amazonite will scratch Kyanite and not the other way round. A steel knife blade (Mohs 5.5) scratches it; a copper coin does not.
How can you tell Amazonite from Kyanite?
Amazonite is harder (Mohs 6) than Kyanite (Mohs 5), so Amazonite will scratch Kyanite and not the other way round. A steel knife blade (Mohs 5.5) scratches it; a copper coin does not. Kyanite feels noticeably heavier for its size (specific gravity 3.6 versus 2.56 for Amazonite). Hold a thin edge to the light: Amazonite is opaque, Kyanite is translucent.
Which is harder, Amazonite or Kyanite?
Amazonite is harder: Mohs 6 against Mohs 5 for Kyanite.
Which is more valuable, Amazonite or Kyanite?
Kyanite is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $50 against $25 for Amazonite, and premium Kyanite can reach $300 or more.
