Comparison · Organic Gem Materials vs Silicate Minerals
Jet vs Schorl
Jet and Schorl are easy to confuse. Schorl is harder (Mohs 7) than Jet (Mohs 3), so Schorl will scratch Jet and not the other way round. A copper coin (Mohs 3.5) scratches it, but a fingernail does not. Below is a side-by-side comparison of their properties and the quick tests that separate them.
Key differences between Jet and Schorl
- Schorl is harder (Mohs 7) than Jet (Mohs 3), so Schorl will scratch Jet and not the other way round. A copper coin (Mohs 3.5) scratches it, but a fingernail does not.
- Streak color differs: Jet leaves a brown streak on unglazed porcelain, Schorl leaves white to grayish.
- Luster is different: Jet is waxy while Schorl is vitreous.
- Schorl feels noticeably heavier for its size (specific gravity 3.1 versus 1.3 for Jet).
- Well-formed crystals give it away: Jet is amorphous, Schorl is trigonal.
Jet vs Schorl properties
| Property | Jet | Schorl |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Organic Gem Materials | Silicate Minerals |
| Mohs hardness | 3 | 7 |
| Luster | waxy | vitreous |
| Streak | Brown | White to grayish |
| Transparency | opaque | opaque |
| Specific gravity | 1.3 | 3.1 |
| Crystal system | amorphous | trigonal |
| Common colors | Black, Dark brown | Black, Bluish black, Brownish black |
| Rarity | uncommon | common |
| Typical specimen value | $5–$300+ | $5–$400+ |
Which is more valuable?
Schorl is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $50 against $40 for Jet, and premium Schorl can reach $400 or more.
About Jet
Jet is a compact, lightweight black organic gem material formed from fossilized wood. It takes a high polish, feels warm to the touch, and has been used for mourning jewelry and ornaments since antiquity.
About Schorl
Schorl is the common black, iron-rich member of the tourmaline group. It forms striated prismatic crystals with a rounded triangular cross-section and is by far the most abundant tourmaline species in nature.
Jet vs Schorl FAQ
Is Jet the same as Schorl?
No. Jet is a organic gem material while Schorl is a silicate mineral. Schorl is harder (Mohs 7) than Jet (Mohs 3), so Schorl will scratch Jet and not the other way round. A copper coin (Mohs 3.5) scratches it, but a fingernail does not.
How can you tell Jet from Schorl?
Schorl is harder (Mohs 7) than Jet (Mohs 3), so Schorl will scratch Jet and not the other way round. A copper coin (Mohs 3.5) scratches it, but a fingernail does not. Streak color differs: Jet leaves a brown streak on unglazed porcelain, Schorl leaves white to grayish. Luster is different: Jet is waxy while Schorl is vitreous.
Which is harder, Jet or Schorl?
Schorl is harder: Mohs 7 against Mohs 3 for Jet.
Which is more valuable, Jet or Schorl?
Schorl is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $50 against $40 for Jet, and premium Schorl can reach $400 or more.
