Ruby vs Sapphire
Comparing Ruby and Sapphire — two members of the same mineral family. On the Mohs scale, Ruby rates 9.0 and Sapphire rates 9.0. In terms of price, Ruby falls in the investment-grade range and Sapphire in the investment-grade range.
| Property | Ruby | Sapphire |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Precious Gems | Precious Gems |
| Primary Color | red | blue |
| Mohs Hardness | 9.0 | 9.0 |
| Specific Gravity | 3.97 | 3.95 |
| Refractive Index | 1.762 | 1.762 |
| Crystal System | Trigonal | Trigonal |
| Luster | — | rutile |
| Chemical Formula | — | — |
| Price Tier | Investment ($5,000+/ct) | Investment ($5,000+/ct) |
| Daily Wear | Ja | Ja |
Key Differences
- ◆ {'gem_a': '9.0', 'gem_b': '9.0', 'property': 'Hardness (Mohs)'}
- ◆ {'gem_a': 'Trigonal', 'gem_b': 'Trigonal', 'property': 'Crystal System'}
- ◆ {'gem_a': '3.97', 'gem_b': '3.95', 'property': 'Specific Gravity'}
- ◆ {'gem_a': '1.762', 'gem_b': '1.762', 'property': 'Refractive Index'}
- ◆ {'gem_a': 'N/A', 'gem_b': 'rutile', 'property': 'Luster'}
- ◆ {'gem_a': 'investment', 'gem_b': 'investment', 'property': 'Price Range'}
- ◆ {'gem_a': 'Yes', 'gem_b': 'Yes', 'property': 'Daily Wear'}
When to choose Ruby
Choose Ruby when you want comparable durability, and its significance as the modern July birthstone. It's ideal for engagement rings and everyday jewelry.
When to choose Sapphire
Choose Sapphire when you want comparable durability, and its significance as the modern September birthstone. It's ideal for engagement rings and everyday jewelry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is harder, Ruby or Sapphire?
Ruby and Sapphire have the same Mohs hardness of 9.0, so neither is more scratch-resistant than the other. Ruby is suitable for daily wear, and sapphire is suitable for daily wear.
Is Ruby more expensive than Sapphire?
Ruby and Sapphire are in a similar price range, both classified as investment-grade ($5,000+/ct). Ruby typically ranges investment-grade ($5,000+/ct), while Sapphire ranges investment-grade ($5,000+/ct).
Should I choose Ruby or Sapphire for an engagement ring?
Both Ruby and Sapphire can work for engagement rings since both are suitable for daily wear. Ruby has a slight edge with a durability rating of 10/10 with 9.0 Mohs hardness, while Sapphire comes in at 9.0 Mohs. Your choice may come down to color preference and budget.
How can I tell Ruby and Sapphire apart?
There are several visual cues: Ruby typically appears red while Sapphire is blue. A gemologist can confirm identification using refractive index testing.
Are Ruby and Sapphire the same mineral?
Yes, both Ruby and Sapphire belong to the unknown group mineral group. Despite being related, they differ in color, value, and sometimes durability.