Comparison · Minerals
Beryl vs Goshenite
Beryl and Goshenite 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 Goshenite
- Both sit near Mohs 7.5–8, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
- Hold a thin edge to the light: Beryl is Transparent to translucent, Goshenite is Transparent.
- They overlap in clear, but Beryl also comes in green, blue, pink, and yellow.
Beryl vs Goshenite properties
| Property | Beryl | Goshenite |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Minerals | Minerals |
| Mohs hardness | 7.5–8 | 7.5–8 |
| Luster | Vitreous | Vitreous |
| Streak | White | White |
| Transparency | Transparent to translucent | Transparent |
| Specific gravity | 2.63–2.92 | 2.65–2.8 |
| Crystal system | Hexagonal | Hexagonal |
| Common colors | Green (emerald), Blue (aquamarine), Pink (morganite), Yellow (heliodor), Colorless (goshenite) | Colorless, White |
| Rarity | common | common |
| Typical specimen value | $2–$150+ | $2–$150+ |
Which is more valuable?
Typical specimens of Beryl and Goshenite 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 Goshenite
Goshenite is the colorless variety of beryl, Be3Al2Si6O18, lacking the trace-element impurities that give other beryl varieties their color. It crystallizes in the hexagonal system as clear, glassy prisms and takes its name from Goshen, Massachusetts, where it was first described. Historically valued for optical use before high-quality glass was widely available, it is today the least sought-after beryl variety among gem buyers.
Beryl vs Goshenite FAQ
Is Beryl the same as Goshenite?
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 Goshenite?
Both sit near Mohs 7.5–8, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Hold a thin edge to the light: Beryl is Transparent to translucent, Goshenite is Transparent. They overlap in clear, but Beryl also comes in green, blue, pink, and yellow.
Which is harder, Beryl or Goshenite?
They are about equally hard, both near Mohs 7.5–8.
Which is more valuable, Beryl or Goshenite?
Typical specimens of Beryl and Goshenite trade in a similar range, around $20.
