| Property | Sapphire | Topaz |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Precious Gems | Semi-Precious Gems |
| Primary Color | blue | yellow |
| Mohs Hardness | 9.0 | 8.0 |
| Specific Gravity | 3.95 | 3.49 |
| Refractive Index | 1.762 | 1.606 |
| Crystal System | Trigonal | Orthorhombic |
| Luster | rutile | Vitreous |
| Chemical Formula | — | — |
| Price Tier | Investment ($5,000+/ct) | Fine ($500-5,000/ct) |
| Daily Wear | はい | はい |
Key Differences
- ◆ {'gem_a': '9.0', 'gem_b': '8.0', 'property': 'Hardness (Mohs)'}
- ◆ {'gem_a': 'Trigonal', 'gem_b': 'Orthorhombic', 'property': 'Crystal System'}
- ◆ {'gem_a': '3.95', 'gem_b': '3.49', 'property': 'Specific Gravity'}
- ◆ {'gem_a': '1.762', 'gem_b': '1.606', 'property': 'Refractive Index'}
- ◆ {'gem_a': 'rutile', 'gem_b': 'Vitreous', 'property': 'Luster'}
- ◆ {'gem_a': 'investment', 'gem_b': 'fine', 'property': 'Price Range'}
- ◆ {'gem_a': 'Yes', 'gem_b': 'Yes', '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 Topaz
より手頃な価格を求める方や11月の誕生石としての意味を重視する方にはトパーズがお勧めです。
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is harder, Sapphire or Topaz?
Sapphire is harder at 9.0 on the Mohs scale, compared to Topaz at 8.0. This makes Sapphire more resistant to scratching. Sapphire is suitable for daily wear, while topaz is suitable for daily wear.
Is Sapphire more expensive than Topaz?
Yes, Sapphire is generally more expensive. Sapphire is classified as investment-grade ($5,000+/ct) with prices around investment-grade ($5,000+/ct), while Topaz is fine/premium ($500-5,000/ct) at fine/premium ($500-5,000/ct).
Should I choose Sapphire or Topaz for an engagement ring?
Both Sapphire and Topaz can work for engagement rings since both are suitable for daily wear. Sapphire has a slight edge with a durability rating of 10/10 with 9.0 Mohs hardness, while Topaz comes in at 8.0 Mohs. Your choice may come down to color preference and budget.
How can I tell Sapphire and Topaz apart?
There are several visual cues: Sapphire typically appears blue while Topaz is yellow; Sapphire has a rutile luster compared to Topaz's vitreous luster; Sapphire (RI 1.762-1.788) shows more brilliance than Topaz (RI 1.606-1.644); they have different crystal systems — Sapphire is Trigonal and Topaz is Orthorhombic. A gemologist can confirm identification using refractive index testing.
Why do Sapphire and Topaz look similar?
Sapphire and Topaz look similar because both can show overlapping colors — Sapphire is blue and Topaz is yellow.