Comparison · Precious Stones vs Semi-Precious Stones
Emerald vs Peridot
Emerald and Peridot are easy to confuse. Emerald is harder (Mohs 7.5) than Peridot (Mohs 6.5), so Emerald will scratch Peridot and not the other way round. It scratches glass and a steel knife and cannot be scratched by a steel file. Below is a side-by-side comparison of their properties and the quick tests that separate them.
Key differences between Emerald and Peridot
- Emerald is harder (Mohs 7.5) than Peridot (Mohs 6.5), so Emerald will scratch Peridot and not the other way round. It scratches glass and a steel knife and cannot be scratched by a steel file.
- Peridot feels noticeably heavier for its size (specific gravity 3.3 versus 2.76 for Emerald).
- Well-formed crystals give it away: Emerald is hexagonal, Peridot is orthorhombic.
Emerald vs Peridot properties
| Property | Emerald | Peridot |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Precious Stones | Semi-Precious Stones |
| Mohs hardness | 7.5 | 6.5 |
| Luster | vitreous | vitreous |
| Streak | White | White |
| Transparency | transparent | transparent |
| Specific gravity | 2.76 | 3.3 |
| Crystal system | hexagonal | orthorhombic |
| Common colors | Green, Bluish Green, Yellowish Green | Yellow-Green, Olive Green, Lime Green |
| Rarity | legendary | uncommon |
| Typical specimen value | $500–$50000+ | $50–$2000+ |
Which is more valuable?
Emerald is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $3000 against $200 for Peridot, and premium Emerald can reach $50000 or more.
About Emerald
Emerald is a green variety of beryl, colored by trace amounts of chromium and vanadium. It's one of the four precious gemstones.
About Peridot
Peridot is the gem variety of olivine, one of the most common minerals in Earth's mantle. Its distinctive yellow-green color comes from iron.
Emerald vs Peridot FAQ
Is Emerald the same as Peridot?
No. Emerald is a precious stone while Peridot is a semi-precious stone. Emerald is harder (Mohs 7.5) than Peridot (Mohs 6.5), so Emerald will scratch Peridot and not the other way round. It scratches glass and a steel knife and cannot be scratched by a steel file.
How can you tell Emerald from Peridot?
Emerald is harder (Mohs 7.5) than Peridot (Mohs 6.5), so Emerald will scratch Peridot and not the other way round. It scratches glass and a steel knife and cannot be scratched by a steel file. Peridot feels noticeably heavier for its size (specific gravity 3.3 versus 2.76 for Emerald). Well-formed crystals give it away: Emerald is hexagonal, Peridot is orthorhombic.
Which is harder, Emerald or Peridot?
Emerald is harder: Mohs 7.5 against Mohs 6.5 for Peridot.
Which is more valuable, Emerald or Peridot?
Emerald is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $3000 against $200 for Peridot, and premium Emerald can reach $50000 or more.
