COMPARE GUIDE
ChrysopraseVSMalachite
Side-by-side comparison of physical properties, fluorescence, and crystal system — to identify by observation.
Decisive distinctionsDECISIVE
- ◎ is higher in Malachite, giving a numerical distinguishing point.
- ◎ is higher in Malachite, giving a numerical distinguishing point.
- ◎ is higher in Chrysoprase, giving a numerical distinguishing point.
Note: properties whose numeric ranges do not overlap are auto-extracted. Both are measurable with a refractometer or heavy-liquid bath.
Physical propertiesPROPERTIES
| Property | A: Chrysoprase | B: Malachite | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refractive index (RI) | 1.530–1.540 | 1.655–1.909 | B higher |
| Specific gravity (SG) | 2.58–2.64 | 3.60–4.05 | B higher |
| Mohs hardness | 6.5–7.0 | 3.5–4.0 | A higher |
| Birefringence | 0.004 | — | — |
| Dispersion | — | — | — |
Optics & fluorescenceOPTICS & UV
| Property | A: Chrysoprase | B: Malachite |
|---|---|---|
| Crystal system | 三方晶系（潜晶質） | 単斜晶系 |
| Pleochroism | — | — |
| Chelsea filter | — | — |
| UV (long-wave) | — | — |
| UV (short-wave) | inert | inert |
ObservationOBSERVATION
◆Chrysoprase is uniform apple-green chalcedony with no banding; malachite shows curved concentric green-on-green banding and is much softer (Mohs 3.5–4 vs 6.5–7).
Color categoriesCATEGORIES
A: Chrysoprase
Green
B: Malachite
Green
DISTINGUISHING TOOLS · 2 ITEMS
Distinguishing tools
Tools that decide between Chrysoprase and Malachite in practice.
Note: this page is auto-generated from published GIA / CGL reference values. Individual stones, treatments, and synthetics may fall outside these ranges. For a definitive identification, consult an accredited gem laboratory.