Comparison · Silicate Minerals
Morganite vs Spodumene
Morganite and Spodumene are easy to confuse because both are silicate minerals. Morganite is harder (Mohs 7.75) than Spodumene (Mohs 6.75), so Morganite will scratch Spodumene 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 Morganite and Spodumene
- Morganite is harder (Mohs 7.75) than Spodumene (Mohs 6.75), so Morganite will scratch Spodumene 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 Spodumene also comes in green, yellow, and clear.
- Well-formed crystals give it away: Morganite is hexagonal, Spodumene is monoclinic.
Morganite vs Spodumene properties
| Property | Morganite | Spodumene |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Silicate Minerals | Silicate Minerals |
| Mohs hardness | 7.75 | 6.75 |
| Luster | vitreous | vitreous |
| Streak | White | White |
| Transparency | transparent | transparent |
| Specific gravity | 2.8 | 3.15 |
| Crystal system | hexagonal | monoclinic |
| Common colors | Pink, Peach, Salmon, Pale violet | Pink, Lilac, Green, Yellow, Colorless |
| Rarity | rare | uncommon |
| Typical specimen value | $30–$2000+ | $10–$800+ |
Which is more valuable?
Morganite is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $250 against $110 for Spodumene, and premium Morganite can reach $2000 or more.
About Morganite
Morganite is the pink to peach variety of beryl, colored by traces of manganese. A durable and softly toned gemstone, it forms in pegmatites as transparent tabular crystals and is cut into faceted gems.
About Spodumene
Spodumene is a lithium aluminum pyroxene found in granite pegmatites. It forms flattened prismatic crystals with perfect prismatic cleavage, and its transparent gem varieties include pink-lilac kunzite and green hiddenite.
Morganite vs Spodumene FAQ
Is Morganite the same as Spodumene?
No. Both are silicate minerals, but they are distinct species with different hardness, streak or luster. Morganite is harder (Mohs 7.75) than Spodumene (Mohs 6.75), so Morganite will scratch Spodumene 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 Morganite from Spodumene?
Morganite is harder (Mohs 7.75) than Spodumene (Mohs 6.75), so Morganite will scratch Spodumene 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 Spodumene also comes in green, yellow, and clear. Well-formed crystals give it away: Morganite is hexagonal, Spodumene is monoclinic.
Which is harder, Morganite or Spodumene?
Morganite is harder: Mohs 7.75 against Mohs 6.75 for Spodumene.
Which is more valuable, Morganite or Spodumene?
Morganite is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $250 against $110 for Spodumene, and premium Morganite can reach $2000 or more.
