Comparison · Semi-Precious Stones vs Minerals
Aquamarine vs Beryl
Aquamarine and Beryl are easy to confuse. Both sit near Mohs 7.5, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Below is a side-by-side comparison of their properties and the quick tests that separate them.
Key differences between Aquamarine and Beryl
- Both sit near Mohs 7.5, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
- Hold a thin edge to the light: Aquamarine is transparent, Beryl is Transparent to translucent.
- They overlap in blue and green, but Beryl also comes in pink, yellow, and clear.
- Well-formed crystals give it away: Aquamarine is hexagonal, Beryl is Hexagonal.
Aquamarine vs Beryl properties
| Property | Aquamarine | Beryl |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Semi-Precious Stones | Minerals |
| Mohs hardness | 7.5 | 7.5–8 |
| Luster | vitreous | Vitreous |
| Streak | White | White |
| Transparency | transparent | Transparent to translucent |
| Specific gravity | 2.7 | 2.63–2.92 |
| Crystal system | hexagonal | Hexagonal |
| Common colors | Light Blue, Blue-Green, Greenish Blue | Green (emerald), Blue (aquamarine), Pink (morganite), Yellow (heliodor), Colorless (goshenite) |
| Rarity | uncommon | common |
| Typical specimen value | $50–$5000+ | $2–$150+ |
Which is more valuable?
Aquamarine is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $300 against $20 for Beryl, and premium Aquamarine can reach $5000 or more.
About Aquamarine
Aquamarine is a blue variety of beryl, the same mineral family as emerald. Its name means 'water of the sea' in Latin.
About Beryl
Beryl is a beryllium aluminum cyclosilicate, Be3Al2Si6O18, that crystallizes in the hexagonal system as six-sided prisms. Pure beryl is colorless, but trace elements produce a family of well-known gem varieties, including green emerald, blue-green aquamarine, and pink morganite. It typically forms in granite pegmatites, where slow cooling allows large, well-formed crystals to develop.
Aquamarine vs Beryl FAQ
Is Aquamarine the same as Beryl?
No. Aquamarine is a semi-precious stone while Beryl is a mineral. Both sit near Mohs 7.5, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
How can you tell Aquamarine from Beryl?
Both sit near Mohs 7.5, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Hold a thin edge to the light: Aquamarine is transparent, Beryl is Transparent to translucent. They overlap in blue and green, but Beryl also comes in pink, yellow, and clear.
Which is harder, Aquamarine or Beryl?
They are about equally hard, both near Mohs 7.5.
Which is more valuable, Aquamarine or Beryl?
Aquamarine is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $300 against $20 for Beryl, and premium Aquamarine can reach $5000 or more.
