Comparison · Sulfide Minerals vs Vanadate Minerals
Realgar vs Vanadinite
Realgar and Vanadinite are easy to confuse. Vanadinite is harder (Mohs 3) than Realgar (Mohs 1.75), so Vanadinite will scratch Realgar and not the other way round. A fingernail (Mohs 2.5) scratches it easily. Below is a side-by-side comparison of their properties and the quick tests that separate them.
Key differences between Realgar and Vanadinite
- Vanadinite is harder (Mohs 3) than Realgar (Mohs 1.75), so Vanadinite will scratch Realgar and not the other way round. A fingernail (Mohs 2.5) scratches it easily.
- Streak color differs: Realgar leaves a orange-red to yellow-orange streak on unglazed porcelain, Vanadinite leaves brownish yellow.
- Vanadinite feels noticeably heavier for its size (specific gravity 6.9 versus 3.56 for Realgar).
- They overlap in red and orange, but Vanadinite also comes in brown and yellow.
- Well-formed crystals give it away: Realgar is monoclinic, Vanadinite is hexagonal.
Realgar vs Vanadinite properties
| Property | Realgar | Vanadinite |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Sulfide Minerals | Vanadate Minerals |
| Mohs hardness | 1.75 | 3 |
| Luster | resinous | resinous |
| Streak | Orange-red to yellow-orange | Brownish yellow |
| Transparency | translucent | translucent |
| Specific gravity | 3.56 | 6.9 |
| Crystal system | monoclinic | hexagonal |
| Common colors | Red, Orange-red, Orange | Red, Orange, Brown, Yellow |
| Rarity | uncommon | uncommon |
| Typical specimen value | $10–$450+ | $10–$500+ |
Which is more valuable?
Realgar is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $70 against $60 for Vanadinite, and premium Realgar can reach $450 or more.
About Realgar
Realgar is an arsenic sulfide mineral famous for its brilliant orange-red to red color and resinous luster. It forms soft, often translucent crystals and granular crusts, and slowly breaks down to a powder when exposed to light.
About Vanadinite
Vanadinite is a lead chlorovanadate famous for its brilliant red to orange hexagonal crystals. A heavy, secondary mineral of oxidized lead deposits, it is highly sought by collectors and serves as an ore of both vanadium and lead.
Realgar vs Vanadinite FAQ
Is Realgar the same as Vanadinite?
No. Realgar is a sulfide mineral while Vanadinite is a vanadate mineral. Vanadinite is harder (Mohs 3) than Realgar (Mohs 1.75), so Vanadinite will scratch Realgar and not the other way round. A fingernail (Mohs 2.5) scratches it easily.
How can you tell Realgar from Vanadinite?
Vanadinite is harder (Mohs 3) than Realgar (Mohs 1.75), so Vanadinite will scratch Realgar and not the other way round. A fingernail (Mohs 2.5) scratches it easily. Streak color differs: Realgar leaves a orange-red to yellow-orange streak on unglazed porcelain, Vanadinite leaves brownish yellow. Vanadinite feels noticeably heavier for its size (specific gravity 6.9 versus 3.56 for Realgar).
Which is harder, Realgar or Vanadinite?
Vanadinite is harder: Mohs 3 against Mohs 1.75 for Realgar.
Which is more valuable, Realgar or Vanadinite?
Realgar is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $70 against $60 for Vanadinite, and premium Realgar can reach $450 or more.
