Comparison · Minerals vs Semi-Precious Stones
Malachite vs Turquoise
Malachite and Turquoise are easy to confuse. Turquoise is harder (Mohs 6) than Malachite (Mohs 4), so Turquoise will scratch Malachite 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 Malachite and Turquoise
- Turquoise is harder (Mohs 6) than Malachite (Mohs 4), so Turquoise will scratch Malachite and not the other way round. A steel knife blade (Mohs 5.5) scratches it; a copper coin does not.
- Streak color differs: Malachite leaves a pale green streak on unglazed porcelain, Turquoise leaves white to pale green.
- Malachite feels noticeably heavier for its size (specific gravity 4 versus 2.76 for Turquoise).
- They overlap in green, but Malachite also comes in multicolored and Turquoise also comes in blue.
- Well-formed crystals give it away: Malachite is monoclinic, Turquoise is triclinic.
Malachite vs Turquoise properties
| Property | Malachite | Turquoise |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Minerals | Semi-Precious Stones |
| Mohs hardness | 4 | 6 |
| Luster | silky | waxy |
| Streak | Pale green | White to pale green |
| Transparency | opaque | opaque |
| Specific gravity | 4 | 2.76 |
| Crystal system | monoclinic | triclinic |
| Common colors | Green, Dark Green, Banded Green | Blue, Blue-Green, Green |
| Rarity | common | uncommon |
| Typical specimen value | $5–$200+ | $20–$1000+ |
Which is more valuable?
Turquoise is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $100 against $30 for Malachite, and premium Turquoise can reach $1000 or more.
About Malachite
Malachite is a vibrant green copper carbonate mineral known for its distinctive banded patterns. It has been used as a gemstone and pigment for thousands of years.
About Turquoise
Turquoise is a blue-green phosphate mineral prized for thousands of years. Persian turquoise is considered the finest quality.
Malachite vs Turquoise FAQ
Is Malachite the same as Turquoise?
No. Malachite is a mineral while Turquoise is a semi-precious stone. Turquoise is harder (Mohs 6) than Malachite (Mohs 4), so Turquoise will scratch Malachite and not the other way round. A steel knife blade (Mohs 5.5) scratches it; a copper coin does not.
How can you tell Malachite from Turquoise?
Turquoise is harder (Mohs 6) than Malachite (Mohs 4), so Turquoise will scratch Malachite and not the other way round. A steel knife blade (Mohs 5.5) scratches it; a copper coin does not. Streak color differs: Malachite leaves a pale green streak on unglazed porcelain, Turquoise leaves white to pale green. Malachite feels noticeably heavier for its size (specific gravity 4 versus 2.76 for Turquoise).
Which is harder, Malachite or Turquoise?
Turquoise is harder: Mohs 6 against Mohs 4 for Malachite.
Which is more valuable, Malachite or Turquoise?
Turquoise is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $100 against $30 for Malachite, and premium Turquoise can reach $1000 or more.
