Comparison · Quartz Family vs Minerals
Amethyst vs Charoite
Amethyst and Charoite are easy to confuse. Amethyst is harder (Mohs 7) than Charoite (Mohs 5–6), so Amethyst will scratch Charoite and not the other way round. It is about as hard as window glass: a knife barely marks it, while a steel file (Mohs 6.5) will. Below is a side-by-side comparison of their properties and the quick tests that separate them.
Key differences between Amethyst and Charoite
- Amethyst is harder (Mohs 7) than Charoite (Mohs 5–6), so Amethyst will scratch Charoite and not the other way round. It is about as hard as window glass: a knife barely marks it, while a steel file (Mohs 6.5) will.
- Hold a thin edge to the light: Amethyst is transparent, Charoite is Translucent to opaque.
- They overlap in purple, but Charoite also comes in black and white.
- Well-formed crystals give it away: Amethyst is hexagonal, Charoite is Monoclinic.
Amethyst vs Charoite properties
| Property | Amethyst | Charoite |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Quartz Family | Minerals |
| Mohs hardness | 7 | 5–6 |
| Luster | vitreous | Vitreous to pearly/silky |
| Streak | White | White |
| Transparency | transparent | Translucent to opaque |
| Specific gravity | 2.65 | 2.54–2.68 |
| Crystal system | hexagonal | Monoclinic |
| Common colors | Purple, Violet, Deep Purple, Lavender | Lilac, Purple, Violet with white/black veining |
| Rarity | common | common |
| Typical specimen value | $10–$500+ | $2–$150+ |
Which is more valuable?
Amethyst is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $50 against $20 for Charoite, and premium Amethyst can reach $500 or more.
About Amethyst
Amethyst is a purple variety of quartz and is the traditional birthstone for February. It's prized for its beautiful purple color ranging from light lavender to deep violet.
About Charoite
Charoite is a rare silicate mineral known for its swirling lavender to deep purple color and fibrous, interlocking crystal structure that produces a silky, almost pearly chatoyance. Its complex formula involves potassium, sodium, calcium, and silicon, and until recently it was found at only a single locality on Earth. The intricate mottled patterns of purple, white, and black seen in polished charoite come from intergrown veins of the mineral with aegirine and microcline.
Amethyst vs Charoite FAQ
Is Amethyst the same as Charoite?
No. Amethyst is a quartz family while Charoite is a mineral. Amethyst is harder (Mohs 7) than Charoite (Mohs 5–6), so Amethyst will scratch Charoite and not the other way round. It is about as hard as window glass: a knife barely marks it, while a steel file (Mohs 6.5) will.
How can you tell Amethyst from Charoite?
Amethyst is harder (Mohs 7) than Charoite (Mohs 5–6), so Amethyst will scratch Charoite and not the other way round. It is about as hard as window glass: a knife barely marks it, while a steel file (Mohs 6.5) will. Hold a thin edge to the light: Amethyst is transparent, Charoite is Translucent to opaque. They overlap in purple, but Charoite also comes in black and white.
Which is harder, Amethyst or Charoite?
Amethyst is harder: Mohs 7 against Mohs 5–6 for Charoite.
Which is more valuable, Amethyst or Charoite?
Amethyst is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $50 against $20 for Charoite, and premium Amethyst can reach $500 or more.
