Comparison · Precious Stones
Ruby vs Sapphire
Ruby and Sapphire are easy to confuse because both are precious stones. Both sit near Mohs 9, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Below is a side-by-side comparison of their properties and the quick tests that separate them.
Key differences between Ruby and Sapphire
- Both sit near Mohs 9, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
- They overlap in pink, but Ruby also comes in red and Sapphire also comes in blue, yellow, orange, green, and white.
Ruby vs Sapphire properties
| Property | Ruby | Sapphire |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Precious Stones | Precious Stones |
| Mohs hardness | 9 | 9 |
| Luster | adamantine | adamantine |
| Streak | White | White |
| Transparency | transparent | transparent |
| Specific gravity | 4 | 4 |
| Crystal system | trigonal | trigonal |
| Common colors | Red, Pinkish Red, Purplish Red | Blue, Pink, Yellow, Orange, Green, White |
| Rarity | rare | rare |
| Typical specimen value | $1000–$100000+ | $500–$50000+ |
Which is more valuable?
Ruby is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $10000 against $5000 for Sapphire, and premium Ruby can reach $100000 or more.
About Ruby
Ruby is a red variety of corundum, the second hardest natural mineral. Its intense red color comes from chromium impurities.
About Sapphire
Sapphire is a variety of corundum in any color except red. Blue sapphires are most prized, especially the legendary Kashmir stones.
Ruby vs Sapphire FAQ
Is Ruby the same as Sapphire?
No. Both are precious stones, but they are distinct species with different hardness, streak or luster. Both sit near Mohs 9, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
How can you tell Ruby from Sapphire?
Both sit near Mohs 9, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. They overlap in pink, but Ruby also comes in red and Sapphire also comes in blue, yellow, orange, green, and white.
Which is harder, Ruby or Sapphire?
They are about equally hard, both near Mohs 9.
Which is more valuable, Ruby or Sapphire?
Ruby is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $10000 against $5000 for Sapphire, and premium Ruby can reach $100000 or more.
