Comparison · Minerals vs Semi-Precious Stones
Apatite vs Zircon
Apatite and Zircon are easy to confuse. Zircon is harder (Mohs 7.5) than Apatite (Mohs 5), so Zircon 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 Zircon
- Zircon is harder (Mohs 7.5) than Apatite (Mohs 5), so Zircon will scratch Apatite and not the other way round. A steel knife blade (Mohs 5.5) scratches it; a copper coin does not.
- Zircon feels noticeably heavier for its size (specific gravity 4.6 versus 3.1–3.2 for Apatite).
- Hold a thin edge to the light: Apatite is Transparent to translucent, Zircon is transparent.
- They overlap in green, blue, yellow, clear, and brown, but Apatite also comes in purple and Zircon also comes in red.
- Well-formed crystals give it away: Apatite is Hexagonal, Zircon is tetragonal.
Apatite vs Zircon properties
| Property | Apatite | Zircon |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Minerals | Semi-Precious Stones |
| Mohs hardness | 5 | 7.5 |
| Luster | Vitreous to subresinous | adamantine |
| Streak | White | White |
| Transparency | Transparent to translucent | transparent |
| Specific gravity | 3.1–3.2 | 4.6 |
| Crystal system | Hexagonal | tetragonal |
| Common colors | Green, Blue, Yellow, Violet, Colorless, Brown | Colorless, Blue, Red, Yellow, Green, Brown |
| Rarity | common | uncommon |
| Typical specimen value | $2–$150+ | $50–$2000+ |
Which is more valuable?
Zircon is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $200 against $20 for Apatite, and premium Zircon can reach $2000 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 Zircon
Zircon is one of the oldest minerals on Earth, with some crystals over 4 billion years old. Not to be confused with synthetic cubic zirconia.
Apatite vs Zircon FAQ
Is Apatite the same as Zircon?
No. Apatite is a mineral while Zircon is a semi-precious stone. Zircon is harder (Mohs 7.5) than Apatite (Mohs 5), so Zircon 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 Zircon?
Zircon is harder (Mohs 7.5) than Apatite (Mohs 5), so Zircon will scratch Apatite and not the other way round. A steel knife blade (Mohs 5.5) scratches it; a copper coin does not. Zircon feels noticeably heavier for its size (specific gravity 4.6 versus 3.1–3.2 for Apatite). Hold a thin edge to the light: Apatite is Transparent to translucent, Zircon is transparent.
Which is harder, Apatite or Zircon?
Zircon is harder: Mohs 7.5 against Mohs 5 for Apatite.
Which is more valuable, Apatite or Zircon?
Zircon is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $200 against $20 for Apatite, and premium Zircon can reach $2000 or more.
