Comparison · Minerals vs Tektites
Labradorite vs Moldavite
Labradorite and Moldavite are easy to confuse. Both sit near Mohs 6, 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 Labradorite and Moldavite
- Both sit near Mohs 6, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
- They overlap in green, but Labradorite also comes in gray, blue, and yellow.
- Well-formed crystals give it away: Labradorite is triclinic, Moldavite is amorphous.
Labradorite vs Moldavite properties
| Property | Labradorite | Moldavite |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Minerals | Tektites |
| Mohs hardness | 6 | 5.5 |
| Luster | vitreous | vitreous |
| Streak | White | White |
| Transparency | translucent | translucent |
| Specific gravity | 2.7 | 2.4 |
| Crystal system | triclinic | amorphous |
| Common colors | Gray, Blue flash, Green flash, Gold flash | Forest Green, Olive Green |
| Rarity | common | rare |
| Typical specimen value | $5–$300+ | $50–$2000+ |
Which is more valuable?
Moldavite is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $200 against $30 for Labradorite, and premium Moldavite can reach $2000 or more.
About Labradorite
Labradorite is a feldspar mineral famous for its stunning iridescent display called labradorescence, showing flashes of blue, green, gold, and orange.
About Moldavite
Moldavite is a green tektite formed by a meteorite impact about 15 million years ago. Found only in the Czech Republic, it's prized by collectors and crystal enthusiasts.
Labradorite vs Moldavite FAQ
Is Labradorite the same as Moldavite?
No. Labradorite is a mineral while Moldavite is a tektite. Both sit near Mohs 6, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
How can you tell Labradorite from Moldavite?
Both sit near Mohs 6, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. They overlap in green, but Labradorite also comes in gray, blue, and yellow. Well-formed crystals give it away: Labradorite is triclinic, Moldavite is amorphous.
Which is harder, Labradorite or Moldavite?
Labradorite is harder: Mohs 6 against Mohs 5.5 for Moldavite.
Which is more valuable, Labradorite or Moldavite?
Moldavite is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $200 against $30 for Labradorite, and premium Moldavite can reach $2000 or more.
