Comparison · Minerals vs Phosphate Minerals
Azurite vs Vivianite
Azurite and Vivianite are easy to confuse. Azurite is harder (Mohs 3.5) than Vivianite (Mohs 1.75), so Azurite will scratch Vivianite and not the other way round. A fingernail (Mohs 2.5) scratches it easily. Below is a side-by-side comparison of their properties and the quick tests that separate them.
Key differences between Azurite and Vivianite
- Azurite is harder (Mohs 3.5) than Vivianite (Mohs 1.75), so Azurite will scratch Vivianite and not the other way round. A fingernail (Mohs 2.5) scratches it easily.
- Streak color differs: Azurite leaves a light blue streak on unglazed porcelain, Vivianite leaves bluish white.
- Azurite feels noticeably heavier for its size (specific gravity 3.8 versus 2.68 for Vivianite).
- They overlap in blue, but Vivianite also comes in green and clear.
Azurite vs Vivianite properties
| Property | Azurite | Vivianite |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Minerals | Phosphate Minerals |
| Mohs hardness | 3.5 | 1.75 |
| Luster | vitreous | vitreous |
| Streak | Light blue | Bluish white |
| Transparency | translucent | translucent |
| Specific gravity | 3.8 | 2.68 |
| Crystal system | monoclinic | monoclinic |
| Common colors | Deep Blue, Azure Blue | Blue, Green, Colorless |
| Rarity | uncommon | uncommon |
| Typical specimen value | $10–$500+ | $10–$400+ |
Which is more valuable?
Vivianite is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $60 against $50 for Azurite, and premium Vivianite can reach $400 or more.
About Azurite
Azurite is a deep blue copper carbonate mineral, often found with green malachite. It was ground into pigment for the famous blue in Renaissance paintings.
About Vivianite
Vivianite is a hydrated iron phosphate that is colorless when fresh but oxidizes to deep blue and green. It forms bladed, prismatic, or fibrous crystals and earthy masses, and is a favorite of collectors for its rich color.
Azurite vs Vivianite FAQ
Is Azurite the same as Vivianite?
No. Azurite is a mineral while Vivianite is a phosphate mineral. Azurite is harder (Mohs 3.5) than Vivianite (Mohs 1.75), so Azurite will scratch Vivianite and not the other way round. A fingernail (Mohs 2.5) scratches it easily.
How can you tell Azurite from Vivianite?
Azurite is harder (Mohs 3.5) than Vivianite (Mohs 1.75), so Azurite will scratch Vivianite and not the other way round. A fingernail (Mohs 2.5) scratches it easily. Streak color differs: Azurite leaves a light blue streak on unglazed porcelain, Vivianite leaves bluish white. Azurite feels noticeably heavier for its size (specific gravity 3.8 versus 2.68 for Vivianite).
Which is harder, Azurite or Vivianite?
Azurite is harder: Mohs 3.5 against Mohs 1.75 for Vivianite.
Which is more valuable, Azurite or Vivianite?
Vivianite is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $60 against $50 for Azurite, and premium Vivianite can reach $400 or more.
