Comparison · Minerals
Apatite vs Labradorite
Apatite and Labradorite are easy to confuse because both are minerals. Labradorite is harder (Mohs 6) than Apatite (Mohs 5), so Labradorite will scratch Apatite 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 Apatite and Labradorite
- Labradorite is harder (Mohs 6) than Apatite (Mohs 5), so Labradorite will scratch Apatite and not the other way round. A steel knife blade (Mohs 5.5) scratches it; a copper coin does not.
- Hold a thin edge to the light: Apatite is Transparent to translucent, Labradorite is translucent.
- They overlap in green, blue, and yellow, but Apatite also comes in purple, clear, and brown and Labradorite also comes in gray.
- Well-formed crystals give it away: Apatite is Hexagonal, Labradorite is triclinic.
Apatite vs Labradorite properties
| Property | Apatite | Labradorite |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Minerals | Minerals |
| Mohs hardness | 5 | 6 |
| Luster | Vitreous to subresinous | vitreous |
| Streak | White | White |
| Transparency | Transparent to translucent | translucent |
| Specific gravity | 3.1–3.2 | 2.7 |
| Crystal system | Hexagonal | triclinic |
| Common colors | Green, Blue, Yellow, Violet, Colorless, Brown | Gray, Blue flash, Green flash, Gold flash |
| Rarity | common | common |
| Typical specimen value | $2–$150+ | $5–$300+ |
Which is more valuable?
Labradorite is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $30 against $20 for Apatite, and premium Labradorite can reach $300 or more.
About Apatite
Apatite is the collective name for a group of calcium phosphate minerals, chiefly hydroxylapatite, fluorapatite, and chlorapatite, sharing the general formula Ca5(PO4)3(F,Cl,OH). It is the mineral that defines hardness 5 on the Mohs scale and forms the mineral component of bones and teeth in vertebrates. Gem-quality crystals range from pale green and blue to vivid neon blue-green varieties prized by collectors.
About Labradorite
Labradorite is a feldspar mineral famous for its stunning iridescent display called labradorescence, showing flashes of blue, green, gold, and orange.
Apatite vs Labradorite FAQ
Is Apatite the same as Labradorite?
No. Both are minerals, but they are distinct species with different hardness, streak or luster. Labradorite is harder (Mohs 6) than Apatite (Mohs 5), so Labradorite will scratch Apatite and not the other way round. A steel knife blade (Mohs 5.5) scratches it; a copper coin does not.
How can you tell Apatite from Labradorite?
Labradorite is harder (Mohs 6) than Apatite (Mohs 5), so Labradorite will scratch Apatite and not the other way round. A steel knife blade (Mohs 5.5) scratches it; a copper coin does not. Hold a thin edge to the light: Apatite is Transparent to translucent, Labradorite is translucent. They overlap in green, blue, and yellow, but Apatite also comes in purple, clear, and brown and Labradorite also comes in gray.
Which is harder, Apatite or Labradorite?
Labradorite is harder: Mohs 6 against Mohs 5 for Apatite.
Which is more valuable, Apatite or Labradorite?
Labradorite is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $30 against $20 for Apatite, and premium Labradorite can reach $300 or more.
