| Property | Sapphire | Tanzanite |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Precious Gems | Semi-Precious Gems |
| Primary Color | blue | various |
| Mohs Hardness | 9.0 | 6.5–7.0 |
| Specific Gravity | 3.95 | 3.35 |
| Refractive Index | 1.762 | 1.685 |
| Crystal System | Trigonal | Orthorhombic |
| Luster | rutile | — |
| Chemical Formula | — | — |
| Price Tier | Investment ($5,000+/ct) | Moderate ($50-500/ct) |
| Daily Wear | はい | いいえ |
Key Differences
- ◆ {'gem_a': '9.0', 'gem_b': '6.5', 'property': 'Hardness (Mohs)'}
- ◆ {'gem_a': 'Trigonal', 'gem_b': 'Orthorhombic', 'property': 'Crystal System'}
- ◆ {'gem_a': '3.95', 'gem_b': '3.35', 'property': 'Specific Gravity'}
- ◆ {'gem_a': '1.762', 'gem_b': '1.685', 'property': 'Refractive Index'}
- ◆ {'gem_a': 'rutile', 'gem_b': 'N/A', 'property': 'Luster'}
- ◆ {'gem_a': 'investment', 'gem_b': 'moderate', 'property': 'Price Range'}
- ◆ {'gem_a': 'Yes', 'gem_b': 'No', 'property': 'Daily Wear'}
When to choose Sapphire
傷つきにくさ・高い輝き・希少性・高品質を求める方にサファイアがお勧めです。婚約指輪や日常使いに最適です。
When to choose Tanzanite
より手頃な価格を求める方にはタンザナイトが最適です。婚約指輪や日常使いのジュエリーにも向いています。
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is harder, Sapphire or Tanzanite?
Sapphire is harder at 9.0 on the Mohs scale, compared to Tanzanite at 6.5-7.0. This makes Sapphire more resistant to scratching. Sapphire is suitable for daily wear, while tanzanite requires more careful handling and is not ideal for daily wear.
Is Sapphire more expensive than Tanzanite?
Yes, Sapphire is generally more expensive. Sapphire is classified as investment-grade ($5,000+/ct) with prices around investment-grade ($5,000+/ct), while Tanzanite is moderately priced ($50-500/ct) at moderately priced ($50-500/ct).
Should I choose Sapphire or Tanzanite for an engagement ring?
For an engagement ring, Sapphire is the stronger choice with a durability rating of 10/10. At 9.0 Mohs hardness, it can withstand daily wear well. Tanzanite (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 Sapphire and Tanzanite apart?
There are several visual cues: Sapphire typically appears blue while Tanzanite is various; Sapphire (RI 1.762-1.788) shows more brilliance than Tanzanite (RI 1.685-1.707); they have different crystal systems — Sapphire is Trigonal and Tanzanite is Orthorhombic. A gemologist can confirm identification using refractive index testing.
Why do Sapphire and Tanzanite look similar?
Sapphire and Tanzanite look similar because both can show overlapping colors — Sapphire is blue and Tanzanite is various.