Apatite Vs. Beryl

Apatite is a popular mineral group composed of a group of phosphates.^[1] Beryl is a very popular gemstone and its chemical composition is beryllium aluminium silicate.^[2]

Quick Facts on Differences of Apatite and Beryl

For a quick recap of the differences apatite and beryl:

• While both apatite and beryl can be translucent or transparent, beryl can be opaque.
• For chemical formulas, apatite can be Ca5(PO4)3(F, Cl or OH) while beryl is Be3Al2Si6O18.
• Apatite streaks white while beryl streaks colorless.
• Apatite can be commonly red while beryl can be commonly green or pink.
• Apatite's rarity is less rare than beryl.
• Apatite's hardness is lower than beryl - apatite is 5 and beryl ranges from 7.5 to 8 on the Moh's scale.
  • Apatite can be scratched by glass (5.5) or quartz (7) while beryl can not be.

Quick Facts on Similarities of Apatite and Beryl

The similarities of apatite and beryl include:

• In terms of crystallography, apatite and beryl both are hexagonal.
• In terms of luster, apatite and beryl both are vitreous.

Summary of Apatite

Apatite is a mineral that is commonly found in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. It is made up of calcium phosphate, which is the same mineral that makes up our teeth and bones. Apatite can be identified by its green, blue, or yellow color, and its hardness of 5 on the Mohs scale. It can also be identified by its crystal structure, which is hexagonal.

Summary of Beryl

Beryl is a mineral that belongs to the silicate family and is known for its hardness and transparency. It is usually found in granite and pegmatite rocks and is often associated with other minerals such as quartz, feldspar, and mica. Beryl has a hexagonal crystal structure and can come in a variety of colors, including blue, green, yellow, pink, and white.

Table Comparison of Apatite vs Beryl