AllMineralsRock
Chrysoprase Vs. Fluorite
Chrysoprase is a gemstone composed of silicon dioxide.[1] Fluorite is a very popular gemstone and its chemical composition is calcium fluoride.[2]
Quick Facts on Differences of Chrysoprase and Fluorite
For a quick recap of the differences chrysoprase and fluorite:- For chemical formulas, chrysoprase is SiO2 while fluorite is CaF2.
- While both chrysoprase and fluorite can be vitreous, in terms of luster, chrysoprase can be greasy or waxy.
- While both chrysoprase and fluorite can be commonly green, chrysoprase is often olive and fluorite is often red or yellow.
- Chrysoprase's rarity is more rare than fluorite.
- Chrysoprase's hardness is higher than fluorite - chrysoprase ranges from 6.5 to 7 and fluorite is 4 on the Moh's scale.
- Chrysoprase's specific gravity is lower than fluorite - chrysoprase ranges from 2.651 to 2.91 and fluorite ranges from 3 to 3.18.
Quick Facts on Similarities of Chrysoprase and Fluorite
The similarities of chrysoprase and fluorite include:- Chrysoprase and fluorite both can be opaque, translucent or transparent.
- Chrysoprase and fluorite both streak white.
Summary of Chrysoprase
Chrysoprase is a green-colored gemstone that belongs to the chalcedony family. It is a cryptocrystalline mineral that is formed from silica-rich solutions in cavities or fissures of rocks. The green color of chrysoprase is due to the presence of nickel impurities. The intensity of the green color depends on the amount of nickel present in the mineral. Chrysoprase has a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, which makes it a durable gemstone that can be used in jewelry.Summary of Fluorite
Fluorite, also known as fluorspar, is a mineral that is commonly found in a variety of colors including purple, green, blue, yellow, and clear. It is easily recognizable due to its distinctive cubic crystal structure, which is often associated with a stepped or layered appearance. Fluorite is a relatively soft mineral, with a hardness of 4 on the Mohs scale, and it has a specific gravity of approximately 3.0.Table Comparison of Chrysoprase vs Fluorite
| Chrysoprase (src) | Fluorite (src) | |
|---|---|---|
| Transparency | transparent, translucent, opaque | transparent, translucent, opaque |
| Chemical Formula | SiO2 | CaF2 |
| Chemical Composition | silicon dioxide | calcium fluoride |
| Specific Gravity | 2.651, 2.91 | 3, 3.18, 3.25 |
| Hardness | 6.5, 7 | 4 |
| Streak | white | white |
| Refractive Index | 1.54, 1.553 | 1.432, 1.434 |
| Hydrous | No | No |
| Colors | common: green, olive |
common: red, green, yellow sometimes: blue, pink, black, brown less common: lilac, white, orange, purple, colorless, band, multicolor |
| Category | chalcedony | halide |
| Fracture | conchoidal | conchoidal, splintery, subconchoidal |