Comparison · Precious Stones
Diamond vs Sapphire
Diamond and Sapphire are easy to confuse because both are precious stones. Diamond is harder (Mohs 10) than Sapphire (Mohs 9), so Diamond will scratch Sapphire and not the other way round. It scratches glass, steel and even quartz; only harder gems will mark it. Below is a side-by-side comparison of their properties and the quick tests that separate them.
Key differences between Diamond and Sapphire
- Diamond is harder (Mohs 10) than Sapphire (Mohs 9), so Diamond will scratch Sapphire and not the other way round. It scratches glass, steel and even quartz; only harder gems will mark it.
- Streak color differs: Diamond leaves a none streak on unglazed porcelain, Sapphire leaves white.
- They overlap in yellow, blue, and pink, but Diamond also comes in clear and black and Sapphire also comes in orange, green, and white.
- Well-formed crystals give it away: Diamond is cubic, Sapphire is trigonal.
Diamond vs Sapphire properties
| Property | Diamond | Sapphire |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Precious Stones | Precious Stones |
| Mohs hardness | 10 | 9 |
| Luster | adamantine | adamantine |
| Streak | None | White |
| Transparency | transparent | transparent |
| Specific gravity | 3.52 | 4 |
| Crystal system | cubic | trigonal |
| Common colors | Colorless, Yellow, Blue, Pink, Black | Blue, Pink, Yellow, Orange, Green, White |
| Rarity | legendary | rare |
| Typical specimen value | $1000–$100000+ | $500–$50000+ |
Which is more valuable?
Typical specimens of Diamond and Sapphire trade in a similar range, around $5000.
About Diamond
Diamond is the hardest known natural material, composed of carbon atoms in a crystal structure. It's the ultimate symbol of luxury and eternal love.
About Sapphire
Sapphire is a variety of corundum in any color except red. Blue sapphires are most prized, especially the legendary Kashmir stones.
Diamond vs Sapphire FAQ
Is Diamond the same as Sapphire?
No. Both are precious stones, but they are distinct species with different hardness, streak or luster. Diamond is harder (Mohs 10) than Sapphire (Mohs 9), so Diamond will scratch Sapphire and not the other way round. It scratches glass, steel and even quartz; only harder gems will mark it.
How can you tell Diamond from Sapphire?
Diamond is harder (Mohs 10) than Sapphire (Mohs 9), so Diamond will scratch Sapphire and not the other way round. It scratches glass, steel and even quartz; only harder gems will mark it. Streak color differs: Diamond leaves a none streak on unglazed porcelain, Sapphire leaves white. They overlap in yellow, blue, and pink, but Diamond also comes in clear and black and Sapphire also comes in orange, green, and white.
Which is harder, Diamond or Sapphire?
Diamond is harder: Mohs 10 against Mohs 9 for Sapphire.
Which is more valuable, Diamond or Sapphire?
Typical specimens of Diamond and Sapphire trade in a similar range, around $5000.
