Comparison · Minerals vs Quartz Family
Apophyllite vs Clear Quartz
Apophyllite and Clear Quartz are easy to confuse. Clear Quartz is harder (Mohs 7) than Apophyllite (Mohs 4.5–5), so Clear Quartz will scratch Apophyllite 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 Apophyllite and Clear Quartz
- Clear Quartz is harder (Mohs 7) than Apophyllite (Mohs 4.5–5), so Clear Quartz will scratch Apophyllite 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: Apophyllite is Transparent to translucent, Clear Quartz is transparent.
- They overlap in clear, but Apophyllite also comes in green, pink, and yellow.
- Well-formed crystals give it away: Apophyllite is Tetragonal, Clear Quartz is hexagonal.
Apophyllite vs Clear Quartz properties
| Property | Apophyllite | Clear Quartz |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Minerals | Quartz Family |
| Mohs hardness | 4.5–5 | 7 |
| Luster | Vitreous, pearly on cleavage | vitreous |
| Streak | White | White |
| Transparency | Transparent to translucent | transparent |
| Specific gravity | 2.3–2.4 | 2.65 |
| Crystal system | Tetragonal | hexagonal |
| Common colors | Colorless, White, Green, Pink, Pale yellow | Colorless, White |
| Rarity | common | common |
| Typical specimen value | $2–$150+ | $5–$200+ |
Which is more valuable?
Clear Quartz is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $25 against $20 for Apophyllite, and premium Clear Quartz can reach $200 or more.
About Apophyllite
Apophyllite is the common name for a small group of hydrated potassium calcium silicates, most often KCa4Si8O20(F,OH)·8H2O, crystallizing in the tetragonal system. It typically grows as glassy, pseudo-cubic or pyramidal crystals lining cavities in basaltic lava. The name comes from the Greek for 'to leaf away,' describing how the mineral flakes when heated, losing its water of crystallization.
About Clear Quartz
Clear quartz, also known as rock crystal, is the purest form of quartz. It's been used for jewelry, carvings, and spiritual purposes throughout history.
Apophyllite vs Clear Quartz FAQ
Is Apophyllite the same as Clear Quartz?
No. Apophyllite is a mineral while Clear Quartz is a quartz family. Clear Quartz is harder (Mohs 7) than Apophyllite (Mohs 4.5–5), so Clear Quartz will scratch Apophyllite and not the other way round. A steel knife blade (Mohs 5.5) scratches it; a copper coin does not.
How can you tell Apophyllite from Clear Quartz?
Clear Quartz is harder (Mohs 7) than Apophyllite (Mohs 4.5–5), so Clear Quartz will scratch Apophyllite 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: Apophyllite is Transparent to translucent, Clear Quartz is transparent. They overlap in clear, but Apophyllite also comes in green, pink, and yellow.
Which is harder, Apophyllite or Clear Quartz?
Clear Quartz is harder: Mohs 7 against Mohs 4.5–5 for Apophyllite.
Which is more valuable, Apophyllite or Clear Quartz?
Clear Quartz is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $25 against $20 for Apophyllite, and premium Clear Quartz can reach $200 or more.
