Peridot (Olivine) vs Spinel
Comparing Peridot (Olivine) and Spinel — two birthstone gems often compared by jewelry buyers. On the Mohs scale, Peridot (Olivine) rates 6.5 and Spinel rates 8.0. In terms of price, Peridot (Olivine) falls in the moderately priced range and Spinel in the fine/premium range.
| Property | Peridot (Olivine) | Spinel |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Semi-Precious Gems | Semi-Precious Gems |
| Primary Color | green | various |
| Mohs Hardness | 6.5–7.0 | 8.0 |
| Specific Gravity | 3.27 | 3.54 |
| Refractive Index | 1.65 | 1.71 |
| Crystal System | Orthorhombic | Isometric |
| Luster | Vitreous,Greasy | Vitreous |
| Chemical Formula | — | — |
| Price Tier | Moderate ($50-500/ct) | Fine ($500-5,000/ct) |
| Daily Wear | Nein | Ja |
Key Differences
- ◆ {'gem_a': '6.5', 'gem_b': '8.0', 'property': 'Hardness (Mohs)'}
- ◆ {'gem_a': 'Orthorhombic', 'gem_b': 'Isometric', 'property': 'Crystal System'}
- ◆ {'gem_a': '3.27', 'gem_b': '3.54', 'property': 'Specific Gravity'}
- ◆ {'gem_a': '1.65', 'gem_b': '1.71', 'property': 'Refractive Index'}
- ◆ {'gem_a': 'Vitreous,Greasy', 'gem_b': 'Vitreous', 'property': 'Luster'}
- ◆ {'gem_a': 'moderate', 'gem_b': 'fine', 'property': 'Price Range'}
- ◆ {'gem_a': 'No', 'gem_b': 'Yes', 'property': 'Daily Wear'}
When to choose Peridot (Olivine)
Choose Peridot (Olivine) when you want a more budget-friendly price point, and its significance as the modern August birthstone. It's ideal for occasional wear pieces and pendants.
When to choose Spinel
Choose Spinel when you want superior hardness and scratch resistance, higher brilliance and light performance, premium quality and rarity, and suitability for daily wear. It's ideal for engagement rings and everyday jewelry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is harder, Peridot (Olivine) or Spinel?
Spinel is harder at 8.0 on the Mohs scale, compared to Peridot (Olivine) at 6.5-7.0. This makes Spinel more resistant to scratching. Spinel is suitable for daily wear, while peridot (olivine) requires more careful handling and is not ideal for daily wear.
Is Peridot (Olivine) more expensive than Spinel?
No, Peridot (Olivine) is generally less expensive. Peridot (Olivine) is classified as moderately priced ($50-500/ct) at moderately priced ($50-500/ct), while Spinel is fine/premium ($500-5,000/ct) at fine/premium ($500-5,000/ct).
Should I choose Peridot (Olivine) or Spinel for an engagement ring?
For an engagement ring, Spinel is the stronger choice with a durability rating of 9/10. At 8.0 Mohs hardness, it can withstand daily wear well. Peridot (Olivine) (6.5-7.0 Mohs) is softer and more prone to scratching with everyday use, making it better suited for occasional-wear jewelry.
How can I tell Peridot (Olivine) and Spinel apart?
There are several visual cues: Peridot (Olivine) typically appears green while Spinel is various; Peridot (Olivine) has a vitreous,greasy luster compared to Spinel's vitreous luster; Spinel (RI 1.71-1.735) shows more brilliance than Peridot (Olivine) (RI 1.65-1.71); they have different crystal systems — Peridot (Olivine) is Orthorhombic and Spinel is Isometric. A gemologist can confirm identification using refractive index testing.
Can I use Peridot (Olivine) instead of Spinel as a birthstone?
Yes, both Peridot (Olivine) and Spinel are recognized birthstones for August. Peridot (Olivine) is the modern August birthstone and Spinel is the traditional August birthstone, so either is an appropriate choice for that month.