Comparison · Minerals
Andalusite vs Chrysoberyl
Andalusite and Chrysoberyl are easy to confuse because both are minerals. Chrysoberyl is harder (Mohs 8.5) than Andalusite (Mohs 6.5–7.5), so Chrysoberyl will scratch Andalusite and not the other way round. It scratches glass and a steel knife and cannot be scratched by a steel file. Below is a side-by-side comparison of their properties and the quick tests that separate them.
Key differences between Andalusite and Chrysoberyl
- Chrysoberyl is harder (Mohs 8.5) than Andalusite (Mohs 6.5–7.5), so Chrysoberyl will scratch Andalusite and not the other way round. It scratches glass and a steel knife and cannot be scratched by a steel file.
- Chrysoberyl feels noticeably heavier for its size (specific gravity 3.65–3.8 versus 3.13–3.21 for Andalusite).
- They overlap in brown, red, and green, but Andalusite also comes in gray and pink and Chrysoberyl also comes in yellow and clear.
Andalusite vs Chrysoberyl properties
| Property | Andalusite | Chrysoberyl |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Minerals | Minerals |
| Mohs hardness | 6.5–7.5 | 8.5 |
| Luster | Vitreous | Vitreous |
| Streak | White | White |
| Transparency | Transparent to translucent | Transparent to translucent |
| Specific gravity | 3.13–3.21 | 3.65–3.8 |
| Crystal system | Orthorhombic | Orthorhombic |
| Common colors | Reddish brown, Olive green, Gray, Pink | Yellow, Greenish-yellow, Green, Brown, Colorless, Color-change green/red (alexandrite) |
| Rarity | common | common |
| Typical specimen value | $2–$150+ | $2–$150+ |
Which is more valuable?
Typical specimens of Andalusite and Chrysoberyl trade in a similar range, around $20.
About Andalusite
Andalusite is an aluminum silicate, Al2SiO5, and one of three natural polymorphs sharing that exact formula along with kyanite and sillimanite. It crystallizes in the orthorhombic system as stout, nearly square prisms formed under low-pressure, moderate-temperature metamorphism. Its variety chiastolite, which displays a dark cross pattern in cross-section, makes it one of the more recognizable metamorphic minerals to casual collectors.
About Chrysoberyl
Chrysoberyl is beryllium aluminum oxide, BeAl2O4, an orthorhombic mineral notable for exceptional hardness ranking just below corundum and diamond among natural gem minerals. Despite the beryl in its name, chrysoberyl is chemically unrelated to true beryl, which is a beryllium aluminum silicate rather than an oxide. Its most famous varieties, alexandrite and cat's eye chrysoberyl, are prized gemstones known respectively for dramatic color change and a sharp band of reflected light.
Andalusite vs Chrysoberyl FAQ
Is Andalusite the same as Chrysoberyl?
No. Both are minerals, but they are distinct species with different hardness, streak or luster. Chrysoberyl is harder (Mohs 8.5) than Andalusite (Mohs 6.5–7.5), so Chrysoberyl will scratch Andalusite and not the other way round. It scratches glass and a steel knife and cannot be scratched by a steel file.
How can you tell Andalusite from Chrysoberyl?
Chrysoberyl is harder (Mohs 8.5) than Andalusite (Mohs 6.5–7.5), so Chrysoberyl will scratch Andalusite and not the other way round. It scratches glass and a steel knife and cannot be scratched by a steel file. Chrysoberyl feels noticeably heavier for its size (specific gravity 3.65–3.8 versus 3.13–3.21 for Andalusite). They overlap in brown, red, and green, but Andalusite also comes in gray and pink and Chrysoberyl also comes in yellow and clear.
Which is harder, Andalusite or Chrysoberyl?
Chrysoberyl is harder: Mohs 8.5 against Mohs 6.5–7.5 for Andalusite.
Which is more valuable, Andalusite or Chrysoberyl?
Typical specimens of Andalusite and Chrysoberyl trade in a similar range, around $20.
