Comparison · Minerals
Beryl vs Danburite
Beryl and Danburite are easy to confuse because both are minerals. Both sit near Mohs 7.5–8, 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 Beryl and Danburite
- Both sit near Mohs 7.5–8, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
- They overlap in pink, yellow, and clear, but Beryl also comes in green and blue and Danburite also comes in brown.
- Well-formed crystals give it away: Beryl is Hexagonal, Danburite is Orthorhombic.
Beryl vs Danburite properties
| Property | Beryl | Danburite |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Minerals | Minerals |
| Mohs hardness | 7.5–8 | 7–7.5 |
| Luster | Vitreous | Vitreous |
| Streak | White | White |
| Transparency | Transparent to translucent | Transparent to translucent |
| Specific gravity | 2.63–2.92 | 2.97–3.02 |
| Crystal system | Hexagonal | Orthorhombic |
| Common colors | Green (emerald), Blue (aquamarine), Pink (morganite), Yellow (heliodor), Colorless (goshenite) | Colorless, Pale yellow, Brownish yellow, Pink |
| Rarity | common | common |
| Typical specimen value | $2–$150+ | $2–$150+ |
Which is more valuable?
Typical specimens of Beryl and Danburite trade in a similar range, around $20.
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.
About Danburite
Danburite is calcium borosilicate, CaB2Si2O8, crystallizing in the orthorhombic system as prismatic crystals that closely resemble topaz at a glance. It was first identified near Danbury, Connecticut, which gave the mineral its name, though the finest modern specimens come from Mexico and Madagascar. Its glassy luster and typically pale coloring make it a favorite among faceted-gem collectors seeking an affordable topaz alternative.
Beryl vs Danburite FAQ
Is Beryl the same as Danburite?
No. Both are minerals, but they are distinct species with different hardness, streak or luster. Both sit near Mohs 7.5–8, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
How can you tell Beryl from Danburite?
Both sit near Mohs 7.5–8, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. They overlap in pink, yellow, and clear, but Beryl also comes in green and blue and Danburite also comes in brown. Well-formed crystals give it away: Beryl is Hexagonal, Danburite is Orthorhombic.
Which is harder, Beryl or Danburite?
Beryl is harder: Mohs 7.5–8 against Mohs 7–7.5 for Danburite.
Which is more valuable, Beryl or Danburite?
Typical specimens of Beryl and Danburite trade in a similar range, around $20.
