Comparison · Minerals vs Precious Stones
Benitoite vs Sapphire
Benitoite and Sapphire are easy to confuse. Sapphire is harder (Mohs 9) than Benitoite (Mohs 6–6.5), so Sapphire will scratch Benitoite and not the other way round. It is about as hard as window glass: a knife barely marks it, while a steel file (Mohs 6.5) will. Below is a side-by-side comparison of their properties and the quick tests that separate them.
Key differences between Benitoite and Sapphire
- Sapphire is harder (Mohs 9) than Benitoite (Mohs 6–6.5), so Sapphire will scratch Benitoite and not the other way round. It is about as hard as window glass: a knife barely marks it, while a steel file (Mohs 6.5) will.
- Hold a thin edge to the light: Benitoite is Transparent, Sapphire is transparent.
- They overlap in blue and pink, but Benitoite also comes in clear and Sapphire also comes in yellow, orange, green, and white.
- Well-formed crystals give it away: Benitoite is Trigonal, Sapphire is trigonal.
Benitoite vs Sapphire properties
| Property | Benitoite | Sapphire |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Minerals | Precious Stones |
| Mohs hardness | 6–6.5 | 9 |
| Luster | Vitreous | adamantine |
| Streak | White | White |
| Transparency | Transparent | transparent |
| Specific gravity | 3.6–3.7 | 4 |
| Crystal system | Trigonal | trigonal |
| Common colors | Blue, Colorless, Pink, White | Blue, Pink, Yellow, Orange, Green, White |
| Rarity | common | rare |
| Typical specimen value | $2–$150+ | $500–$50000+ |
Which is more valuable?
Sapphire is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $5000 against $20 for Benitoite, and premium Sapphire can reach $50000 or more.
About Benitoite
Benitoite is a rare barium titanium silicate, BaTiSi3O9, notable as one of the few minerals crystallizing in the ditrigonal-dipyramidal class of the hexagonal system. It is best known for its vivid sapphire-blue color and its powerful blue fluorescence under shortwave ultraviolet light. First described in 1907 from California's San Benito County, it later became the official state gemstone of California.
About Sapphire
Sapphire is a variety of corundum in any color except red. Blue sapphires are most prized, especially the legendary Kashmir stones.
Benitoite vs Sapphire FAQ
Is Benitoite the same as Sapphire?
No. Benitoite is a mineral while Sapphire is a precious stone. Sapphire is harder (Mohs 9) than Benitoite (Mohs 6–6.5), so Sapphire will scratch Benitoite and not the other way round. It is about as hard as window glass: a knife barely marks it, while a steel file (Mohs 6.5) will.
How can you tell Benitoite from Sapphire?
Sapphire is harder (Mohs 9) than Benitoite (Mohs 6–6.5), so Sapphire will scratch Benitoite and not the other way round. It is about as hard as window glass: a knife barely marks it, while a steel file (Mohs 6.5) will. Hold a thin edge to the light: Benitoite is Transparent, Sapphire is transparent. They overlap in blue and pink, but Benitoite also comes in clear and Sapphire also comes in yellow, orange, green, and white.
Which is harder, Benitoite or Sapphire?
Sapphire is harder: Mohs 9 against Mohs 6–6.5 for Benitoite.
Which is more valuable, Benitoite or Sapphire?
Sapphire is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $5000 against $20 for Benitoite, and premium Sapphire can reach $50000 or more.
