Comparison · Minerals
Kyanite vs Labradorite
Kyanite and Labradorite are easy to confuse because both are minerals. Labradorite is harder (Mohs 6) than Kyanite (Mohs 5), so Labradorite will scratch Kyanite and not the other way round. A steel knife blade (Mohs 5.5) scratches it; a copper coin does not. Below is a side-by-side comparison of their properties and the quick tests that separate them.
Key differences between Kyanite and Labradorite
- Labradorite is harder (Mohs 6) than Kyanite (Mohs 5), so Labradorite will scratch Kyanite and not the other way round. A steel knife blade (Mohs 5.5) scratches it; a copper coin does not.
- Kyanite feels noticeably heavier for its size (specific gravity 3.6 versus 2.7 for Labradorite).
- They overlap in blue and green, but Kyanite also comes in orange and black and Labradorite also comes in gray and yellow.
Kyanite vs Labradorite properties
| Property | Kyanite | Labradorite |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Minerals | Minerals |
| Mohs hardness | 5 | 6 |
| Luster | vitreous | vitreous |
| Streak | White | White |
| Transparency | translucent | translucent |
| Specific gravity | 3.6 | 2.7 |
| Crystal system | triclinic | triclinic |
| Common colors | Blue, Green, Orange, Black | Gray, Blue flash, Green flash, Gold flash |
| Rarity | uncommon | common |
| Typical specimen value | $10–$300+ | $5–$300+ |
Which is more valuable?
Kyanite is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $50 against $30 for Labradorite, and premium Kyanite can reach $300 or more.
About Kyanite
Kyanite is a blue silicate mineral unique for having different hardness values depending on the direction of scratch (4-5 lengthwise, 6-7 crosswise).
About Labradorite
Labradorite is a feldspar mineral famous for its stunning iridescent display called labradorescence, showing flashes of blue, green, gold, and orange.
Kyanite vs Labradorite FAQ
Is Kyanite the same as Labradorite?
No. Both are minerals, but they are distinct species with different hardness, streak or luster. Labradorite is harder (Mohs 6) than Kyanite (Mohs 5), so Labradorite will scratch Kyanite and not the other way round. A steel knife blade (Mohs 5.5) scratches it; a copper coin does not.
How can you tell Kyanite from Labradorite?
Labradorite is harder (Mohs 6) than Kyanite (Mohs 5), so Labradorite will scratch Kyanite and not the other way round. A steel knife blade (Mohs 5.5) scratches it; a copper coin does not. Kyanite feels noticeably heavier for its size (specific gravity 3.6 versus 2.7 for Labradorite). They overlap in blue and green, but Kyanite also comes in orange and black and Labradorite also comes in gray and yellow.
Which is harder, Kyanite or Labradorite?
Labradorite is harder: Mohs 6 against Mohs 5 for Kyanite.
Which is more valuable, Kyanite or Labradorite?
Kyanite is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $50 against $30 for Labradorite, and premium Kyanite can reach $300 or more.
