Comparison · Semi-Precious Stones
Kunzite vs Spinel
Kunzite and Spinel are easy to confuse because both are semi-precious stones. Spinel is harder (Mohs 8) than Kunzite (Mohs 7), so Spinel will scratch Kunzite 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 Kunzite and Spinel
- Spinel is harder (Mohs 8) than Kunzite (Mohs 7), so Spinel will scratch Kunzite and not the other way round. It scratches glass and a steel knife and cannot be scratched by a steel file.
- They overlap in pink and purple, but Spinel also comes in red, blue, orange, and black.
- Well-formed crystals give it away: Kunzite is monoclinic, Spinel is cubic.
Kunzite vs Spinel properties
| Property | Kunzite | Spinel |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Semi-Precious Stones | Semi-Precious Stones |
| Mohs hardness | 7 | 8 |
| Luster | vitreous | vitreous |
| Streak | White | White |
| Transparency | transparent | transparent |
| Specific gravity | 3.2 | 3.6 |
| Crystal system | monoclinic | cubic |
| Common colors | Pink, Lilac, Violet | Red, Pink, Blue, Purple, Orange, Black |
| Rarity | uncommon | uncommon |
| Typical specimen value | $30–$1500+ | $100–$10000+ |
Which is more valuable?
Spinel is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $500 against $150 for Kunzite, and premium Spinel can reach $10000 or more.
About Kunzite
Kunzite is the pink to violet variety of spodumene. It was discovered in 1902 and named after gemologist George Frederick Kunz.
About Spinel
Spinel was historically mistaken for ruby and sapphire. The 'Black Prince's Ruby' in the British Crown Jewels is actually a spinel.
Kunzite vs Spinel FAQ
Is Kunzite the same as Spinel?
No. Both are semi-precious stones, but they are distinct species with different hardness, streak or luster. Spinel is harder (Mohs 8) than Kunzite (Mohs 7), so Spinel will scratch Kunzite 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 Kunzite from Spinel?
Spinel is harder (Mohs 8) than Kunzite (Mohs 7), so Spinel will scratch Kunzite and not the other way round. It scratches glass and a steel knife and cannot be scratched by a steel file. They overlap in pink and purple, but Spinel also comes in red, blue, orange, and black. Well-formed crystals give it away: Kunzite is monoclinic, Spinel is cubic.
Which is harder, Kunzite or Spinel?
Spinel is harder: Mohs 8 against Mohs 7 for Kunzite.
Which is more valuable, Kunzite or Spinel?
Spinel is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $500 against $150 for Kunzite, and premium Spinel can reach $10000 or more.
