Comparison · Semi-Precious Stones
Aquamarine vs Topaz
Aquamarine and Topaz are easy to confuse because both are semi-precious stones. 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 Topaz
- Both sit near Mohs 7.5, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
- Topaz feels noticeably heavier for its size (specific gravity 3.5 versus 2.7 for Aquamarine).
- They overlap in blue, but Aquamarine also comes in green and Topaz also comes in clear, yellow, orange, and pink.
- Well-formed crystals give it away: Aquamarine is hexagonal, Topaz is orthorhombic.
Aquamarine vs Topaz properties
| Property | Aquamarine | Topaz |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Semi-Precious Stones | Semi-Precious Stones |
| Mohs hardness | 7.5 | 8 |
| Luster | vitreous | vitreous |
| Streak | White | White |
| Transparency | transparent | transparent |
| Specific gravity | 2.7 | 3.5 |
| Crystal system | hexagonal | orthorhombic |
| Common colors | Light Blue, Blue-Green, Greenish Blue | Colorless, Blue, Yellow, Orange, Pink |
| Rarity | uncommon | uncommon |
| Typical specimen value | $50–$5000+ | $20–$3000+ |
Which is more valuable?
Aquamarine is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $300 against $100 for Topaz, 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 Topaz
Topaz is an aluminum silicate mineral prized for its hardness and brilliant colors. Imperial topaz (orange-pink) from Brazil is most valuable.
Aquamarine vs Topaz FAQ
Is Aquamarine the same as Topaz?
No. Both are semi-precious stones, but they are distinct species with different hardness, streak or luster. 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 Topaz?
Both sit near Mohs 7.5, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Topaz feels noticeably heavier for its size (specific gravity 3.5 versus 2.7 for Aquamarine). They overlap in blue, but Aquamarine also comes in green and Topaz also comes in clear, yellow, orange, and pink.
Which is harder, Aquamarine or Topaz?
Topaz is harder: Mohs 8 against Mohs 7.5 for Aquamarine.
Which is more valuable, Aquamarine or Topaz?
Aquamarine is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $300 against $100 for Topaz, and premium Aquamarine can reach $5000 or more.
