Comparison · Minerals vs Carbonates
Fluorite vs Rhodochrosite
Fluorite and Rhodochrosite are easy to confuse. Both sit near Mohs 4, 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 Fluorite and Rhodochrosite
- Both sit near Mohs 4, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
- Hold a thin edge to the light: Fluorite is transparent, Rhodochrosite is translucent.
- They overlap in pink, but Fluorite also comes in purple, green, blue, yellow, and clear and Rhodochrosite also comes in red, orange, and brown.
- Well-formed crystals give it away: Fluorite is cubic, Rhodochrosite is trigonal.
Fluorite vs Rhodochrosite properties
| Property | Fluorite | Rhodochrosite |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Minerals | Carbonates |
| Mohs hardness | 4 | 3.75 |
| Luster | vitreous | vitreous |
| Streak | White | White |
| Transparency | transparent | translucent |
| Specific gravity | 3.2 | 3.65 |
| Crystal system | cubic | trigonal |
| Common colors | Purple, Green, Blue, Yellow, Colorless, Pink | Pink, Rose red, Red, Orange, Brown |
| Rarity | common | uncommon |
| Typical specimen value | $5–$200+ | $15–$900+ |
Which is more valuable?
Rhodochrosite is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $120 against $25 for Fluorite, and premium Rhodochrosite can reach $900 or more.
About Fluorite
Fluorite is a colorful mineral that often exhibits multiple colors in a single specimen. It's the defining mineral for 4 on the Mohs hardness scale.
About Rhodochrosite
Rhodochrosite is a manganese carbonate famous for its rose-pink to deep red color. It occurs as transparent rhombohedral crystals as well as banded pink-and-white masses, and it is popular with both collectors and lapidaries.
Fluorite vs Rhodochrosite FAQ
Is Fluorite the same as Rhodochrosite?
No. Fluorite is a mineral while Rhodochrosite is a carbonate. Both sit near Mohs 4, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
How can you tell Fluorite from Rhodochrosite?
Both sit near Mohs 4, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Hold a thin edge to the light: Fluorite is transparent, Rhodochrosite is translucent. They overlap in pink, but Fluorite also comes in purple, green, blue, yellow, and clear and Rhodochrosite also comes in red, orange, and brown.
Which is harder, Fluorite or Rhodochrosite?
They are about equally hard, both near Mohs 4.
Which is more valuable, Fluorite or Rhodochrosite?
Rhodochrosite is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $120 against $25 for Fluorite, and premium Rhodochrosite can reach $900 or more.
