AllMineralsRock
Emerald Vs. Topaz
Emerald is a very popular gemstone composed of beryllium aluminum silicate.[1] Topaz is also a very popular gemstone and its chemical composition is aluminum silicate.[2]
Quick Facts on Differences of Emerald and Topaz
For a quick recap of the differences emerald and topaz:- In terms of crystallography, emerald is hexagonal while topaz is orthorhombic.
- For chemical formulas, emerald is Be3Al2Si6O18 while topaz can be Al2SiO4(F or OH)2.
- Emerald can be commonly green while topaz can be commonly blue, brown, pink, red or yellow.
- Emerald's rarity is more rare than topaz.
- Emerald's specific gravity is lower than topaz - emerald ranges from 2.68 to 2.78 and topaz ranges from 3.5 to 3.51.
Quick Facts on Similarities of Emerald and Topaz
The similarities of emerald and topaz include:- Emerald and topaz both can be opaque, translucent or transparent.
- In terms of luster, emerald and topaz both are vitreous.
- Emerald and topaz both streak colorless.
- Emerald's hardness overlaps with topaz - emerald ranges from 7.5 to 8 and topaz is 8 on the Moh's scale.
Summary of Emerald
Emerald is a green variety of beryl, a mineral that also includes aquamarine and morganite. The color of emerald is caused by the presence of chromium and vanadium in the crystal lattice. The intensity of the color and the purity of the green hue are the most important factors in determining the value of an emerald.Summary of Topaz
Topaz is a mineral that belongs to the silicate family. It is a popular gemstone, renowned for its beautiful colors and excellent clarity. Topaz is commonly found in many locations around the world, including Brazil, Russia, Sri Lanka, and the United States. It is a hard mineral, with a Mohs hardness scale rating of 8. This makes it an ideal gemstone for use in jewelry, as it is resistant to scratches and wear and tear.Table Comparison of Emerald vs Topaz
| Emerald (src) | Topaz (src) | |
|---|---|---|
| Transparency | transparent, translucent, opaque | transparent, translucent, opaque |
| Chemical Formula | Be3Al2Si6O18 | Al2SiO4(F,OH)2 |
| Chemical Composition | beryllium aluminum silicate | aluminum silicate |
| Specific Gravity | 2.68, 2.78 | 3.5, 3.51, 3.53, 3.54, 3.56, 3.56, 3.57, 3.57 |
| Hardness | 7.5, 8 | 8 |
| Streak | colorless | colorless |
| Crystallography | hexagonal | orthorhombic |
| Refractive Index | 1.569, 1.602 | 1.607, 1.649 |
| Hydrous | No | No |
| Colors | common: green less common: blue |
common: pink, red, blue, brown, yellow sometimes: green less common: tan, gray, pale, beige, white, orange, purple, colorless, multicolor |
| Category | beryl | nesosilicate |
| Birefringence | δ = 0.0040–0.0070 | δ = 0.010 |
| Fracture | conchoidal, uneven | conchoidal, subconchoidal |