Comparison · Minerals vs Silicate Minerals
Charoite vs Sugilite
Charoite and Sugilite are easy to confuse. Both sit near Mohs 5–6, 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 Charoite and Sugilite
- Both sit near Mohs 5–6, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
- Hold a thin edge to the light: Charoite is Translucent to opaque, Sugilite is translucent.
- They overlap in purple, but Charoite also comes in black and white and Sugilite also comes in pink, brown, and yellow.
- Well-formed crystals give it away: Charoite is Monoclinic, Sugilite is hexagonal.
Charoite vs Sugilite properties
| Property | Charoite | Sugilite |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Minerals | Silicate Minerals |
| Mohs hardness | 5–6 | 6 |
| Luster | Vitreous to pearly/silky | vitreous |
| Streak | White | White |
| Transparency | Translucent to opaque | translucent |
| Specific gravity | 2.54–2.68 | 2.74 |
| Crystal system | Monoclinic | hexagonal |
| Common colors | Lilac, Purple, Violet with white/black veining | Purple, Violet, Magenta, Pink, Brownish yellow |
| Rarity | common | rare |
| Typical specimen value | $2–$150+ | $15–$1200+ |
Which is more valuable?
Sugilite is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $150 against $20 for Charoite, and premium Sugilite can reach $1200 or more.
About Charoite
Charoite is a rare silicate mineral known for its swirling lavender to deep purple color and fibrous, interlocking crystal structure that produces a silky, almost pearly chatoyance. Its complex formula involves potassium, sodium, calcium, and silicon, and until recently it was found at only a single locality on Earth. The intricate mottled patterns of purple, white, and black seen in polished charoite come from intergrown veins of the mineral with aegirine and microcline.
About Sugilite
Sugilite is a rare lithium-bearing cyclosilicate best known for its vivid purple to magenta gem material. It usually occurs as massive aggregates rather than crystals and is used as an ornamental and lapidary stone.
Charoite vs Sugilite FAQ
Is Charoite the same as Sugilite?
No. Charoite is a mineral while Sugilite is a silicate mineral. Both sit near Mohs 5–6, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
How can you tell Charoite from Sugilite?
Both sit near Mohs 5–6, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Hold a thin edge to the light: Charoite is Translucent to opaque, Sugilite is translucent. They overlap in purple, but Charoite also comes in black and white and Sugilite also comes in pink, brown, and yellow.
Which is harder, Charoite or Sugilite?
Sugilite is harder: Mohs 6 against Mohs 5–6 for Charoite.
Which is more valuable, Charoite or Sugilite?
Sugilite is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $150 against $20 for Charoite, and premium Sugilite can reach $1200 or more.
