Comparison · Feldspar Group vs Minerals
Feldspar vs Goshenite
Feldspar and Goshenite are easy to confuse. Goshenite is harder (Mohs 7.5–8) than Feldspar (Mohs 6–6.5), so Goshenite will scratch Feldspar and not the other way round. It is about as hard as window glass: a knife barely marks it, while a steel file (Mohs 6.5) will. Below is a side-by-side comparison of their properties and the quick tests that separate them.
Key differences between Feldspar and Goshenite
- Goshenite is harder (Mohs 7.5–8) than Feldspar (Mohs 6–6.5), so Goshenite will scratch Feldspar and not the other way round. It is about as hard as window glass: a knife barely marks it, while a steel file (Mohs 6.5) will.
- Hold a thin edge to the light: Feldspar is Transparent to translucent, Goshenite is Transparent.
- They overlap in clear, but Feldspar also comes in pink, gray, and green.
- Well-formed crystals give it away: Feldspar is Monoclinic to Triclinic (depending on species), Goshenite is Hexagonal.
Feldspar vs Goshenite properties
| Property | Feldspar | Goshenite |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Feldspar Group | Minerals |
| Mohs hardness | 6–6.5 | 7.5–8 |
| Luster | Vitreous to pearly | Vitreous |
| Streak | White | White |
| Transparency | Transparent to translucent | Transparent |
| Specific gravity | 2.55–2.76 | 2.65–2.8 |
| Crystal system | Monoclinic to Triclinic (depending on species) | Hexagonal |
| Common colors | White, Pink, Gray, Green (amazonite), Colorless | Colorless, White |
| Rarity | common | common |
| Typical specimen value | $2–$150+ | $2–$150+ |
Which is more valuable?
Typical specimens of Feldspar and Goshenite trade in a similar range, around $20.
About Feldspar
Feldspar is not a single mineral but a group of related aluminosilicate minerals, comprising the potassium feldspars, orthoclase, microcline, and sanidine, and the plagioclase series running from albite to anorthite, together making up roughly 60 percent of Earth's crust by volume. All share a similar framework silicate structure, two cleavage directions near 90 degrees, and moderate hardness, but differ in composition, color, and crystal system. As the most abundant mineral group on the planet, feldspar defines granite, basalt, gneiss, and countless other rock types.
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.
Feldspar vs Goshenite FAQ
Is Feldspar the same as Goshenite?
No. Feldspar is a feldspar group while Goshenite is a mineral. Goshenite is harder (Mohs 7.5–8) than Feldspar (Mohs 6–6.5), so Goshenite will scratch Feldspar and not the other way round. It is about as hard as window glass: a knife barely marks it, while a steel file (Mohs 6.5) will.
How can you tell Feldspar from Goshenite?
Goshenite is harder (Mohs 7.5–8) than Feldspar (Mohs 6–6.5), so Goshenite will scratch Feldspar and not the other way round. It is about as hard as window glass: a knife barely marks it, while a steel file (Mohs 6.5) will. Hold a thin edge to the light: Feldspar is Transparent to translucent, Goshenite is Transparent. They overlap in clear, but Feldspar also comes in pink, gray, and green.
Which is harder, Feldspar or Goshenite?
Goshenite is harder: Mohs 7.5–8 against Mohs 6–6.5 for Feldspar.
Which is more valuable, Feldspar or Goshenite?
Typical specimens of Feldspar and Goshenite trade in a similar range, around $20.
