Comparison · Semi-Precious Stones
Aquamarine vs Turquoise
Aquamarine and Turquoise are easy to confuse because both are semi-precious stones. Aquamarine is harder (Mohs 7.5) than Turquoise (Mohs 6), so Aquamarine will scratch Turquoise and not the other way round. It is about as hard as window glass: a knife barely marks it, while a steel file (Mohs 6.5) will. Below is a side-by-side comparison of their properties and the quick tests that separate them.
Key differences between Aquamarine and Turquoise
- Aquamarine is harder (Mohs 7.5) than Turquoise (Mohs 6), so Aquamarine will scratch Turquoise and not the other way round. It is about as hard as window glass: a knife barely marks it, while a steel file (Mohs 6.5) will.
- Streak color differs: Aquamarine leaves a white streak on unglazed porcelain, Turquoise leaves white to pale green.
- Luster is different: Aquamarine is vitreous while Turquoise is waxy.
- Hold a thin edge to the light: Aquamarine is transparent, Turquoise is opaque.
- Well-formed crystals give it away: Aquamarine is hexagonal, Turquoise is triclinic.
Aquamarine vs Turquoise properties
| Property | Aquamarine | Turquoise |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Semi-Precious Stones | Semi-Precious Stones |
| Mohs hardness | 7.5 | 6 |
| Luster | vitreous | waxy |
| Streak | White | White to pale green |
| Transparency | transparent | opaque |
| Specific gravity | 2.7 | 2.76 |
| Crystal system | hexagonal | triclinic |
| Common colors | Light Blue, Blue-Green, Greenish Blue | Blue, Blue-Green, Green |
| Rarity | uncommon | uncommon |
| Typical specimen value | $50–$5000+ | $20–$1000+ |
Which is more valuable?
Aquamarine is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $300 against $100 for Turquoise, 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 Turquoise
Turquoise is a blue-green phosphate mineral prized for thousands of years. Persian turquoise is considered the finest quality.
Aquamarine vs Turquoise FAQ
Is Aquamarine the same as Turquoise?
No. Both are semi-precious stones, but they are distinct species with different hardness, streak or luster. Aquamarine is harder (Mohs 7.5) than Turquoise (Mohs 6), so Aquamarine will scratch Turquoise and not the other way round. It is about as hard as window glass: a knife barely marks it, while a steel file (Mohs 6.5) will.
How can you tell Aquamarine from Turquoise?
Aquamarine is harder (Mohs 7.5) than Turquoise (Mohs 6), so Aquamarine will scratch Turquoise and not the other way round. It is about as hard as window glass: a knife barely marks it, while a steel file (Mohs 6.5) will. Streak color differs: Aquamarine leaves a white streak on unglazed porcelain, Turquoise leaves white to pale green. Luster is different: Aquamarine is vitreous while Turquoise is waxy.
Which is harder, Aquamarine or Turquoise?
Aquamarine is harder: Mohs 7.5 against Mohs 6 for Turquoise.
Which is more valuable, Aquamarine or Turquoise?
Aquamarine is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $300 against $100 for Turquoise, and premium Aquamarine can reach $5000 or more.
