Comparison · Precious Stones
Emerald vs Sapphire
Emerald and Sapphire are easy to confuse because both are precious stones. Sapphire is harder (Mohs 9) than Emerald (Mohs 7.5), so Sapphire will scratch Emerald 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 Emerald and Sapphire
- Sapphire is harder (Mohs 9) than Emerald (Mohs 7.5), so Sapphire will scratch Emerald and not the other way round. It scratches glass, steel and even quartz; only harder gems will mark it.
- Sapphire feels noticeably heavier for its size (specific gravity 4 versus 2.76 for Emerald).
- They overlap in green and yellow, but Sapphire also comes in blue, pink, orange, and white.
- Well-formed crystals give it away: Emerald is hexagonal, Sapphire is trigonal.
Emerald vs Sapphire properties
| Property | Emerald | Sapphire |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Precious Stones | Precious Stones |
| Mohs hardness | 7.5 | 9 |
| Luster | vitreous | adamantine |
| Streak | White | White |
| Transparency | transparent | transparent |
| Specific gravity | 2.76 | 4 |
| Crystal system | hexagonal | trigonal |
| Common colors | Green, Bluish Green, Yellowish Green | Blue, Pink, Yellow, Orange, Green, White |
| Rarity | legendary | rare |
| Typical specimen value | $500–$50000+ | $500–$50000+ |
Which is more valuable?
Sapphire is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $5000 against $3000 for Emerald, and premium Sapphire can reach $50000 or more.
About Emerald
Emerald is a green variety of beryl, colored by trace amounts of chromium and vanadium. It's one of the four precious gemstones.
About Sapphire
Sapphire is a variety of corundum in any color except red. Blue sapphires are most prized, especially the legendary Kashmir stones.
Emerald vs Sapphire FAQ
Is Emerald the same as Sapphire?
No. Both are precious stones, but they are distinct species with different hardness, streak or luster. Sapphire is harder (Mohs 9) than Emerald (Mohs 7.5), so Sapphire will scratch Emerald and not the other way round. It scratches glass, steel and even quartz; only harder gems will mark it.
How can you tell Emerald from Sapphire?
Sapphire is harder (Mohs 9) than Emerald (Mohs 7.5), so Sapphire will scratch Emerald and not the other way round. It scratches glass, steel and even quartz; only harder gems will mark it. Sapphire feels noticeably heavier for its size (specific gravity 4 versus 2.76 for Emerald). They overlap in green and yellow, but Sapphire also comes in blue, pink, orange, and white.
Which is harder, Emerald or Sapphire?
Sapphire is harder: Mohs 9 against Mohs 7.5 for Emerald.
Which is more valuable, Emerald or Sapphire?
Sapphire is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $5000 against $3000 for Emerald, and premium Sapphire can reach $50000 or more.
