Comparison · Precious Stones vs Semi-Precious Stones
Sapphire vs Spinel
Sapphire and Spinel are easy to confuse. Sapphire is harder (Mohs 9) than Spinel (Mohs 8), so Sapphire will scratch Spinel 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 Sapphire and Spinel
- Sapphire is harder (Mohs 9) than Spinel (Mohs 8), so Sapphire will scratch Spinel and not the other way round. It scratches glass, steel and even quartz; only harder gems will mark it.
- They overlap in blue, pink, and orange, but Sapphire also comes in yellow, green, and white and Spinel also comes in red, purple, and black.
- Well-formed crystals give it away: Sapphire is trigonal, Spinel is cubic.
Sapphire vs Spinel properties
| Property | Sapphire | Spinel |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Precious Stones | Semi-Precious Stones |
| Mohs hardness | 9 | 8 |
| Luster | adamantine | vitreous |
| Streak | White | White |
| Transparency | transparent | transparent |
| Specific gravity | 4 | 3.6 |
| Crystal system | trigonal | cubic |
| Common colors | Blue, Pink, Yellow, Orange, Green, White | Red, Pink, Blue, Purple, Orange, Black |
| Rarity | rare | uncommon |
| Typical specimen value | $500–$50000+ | $100–$10000+ |
Which is more valuable?
Sapphire is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $5000 against $500 for Spinel, and premium Sapphire can reach $50000 or more.
About Sapphire
Sapphire is a variety of corundum in any color except red. Blue sapphires are most prized, especially the legendary Kashmir stones.
About Spinel
Spinel was historically mistaken for ruby and sapphire. The 'Black Prince's Ruby' in the British Crown Jewels is actually a spinel.
Sapphire vs Spinel FAQ
Is Sapphire the same as Spinel?
No. Sapphire is a precious stone while Spinel is a semi-precious stone. Sapphire is harder (Mohs 9) than Spinel (Mohs 8), so Sapphire will scratch Spinel and not the other way round. It scratches glass, steel and even quartz; only harder gems will mark it.
How can you tell Sapphire from Spinel?
Sapphire is harder (Mohs 9) than Spinel (Mohs 8), so Sapphire will scratch Spinel and not the other way round. It scratches glass, steel and even quartz; only harder gems will mark it. They overlap in blue, pink, and orange, but Sapphire also comes in yellow, green, and white and Spinel also comes in red, purple, and black. Well-formed crystals give it away: Sapphire is trigonal, Spinel is cubic.
Which is harder, Sapphire or Spinel?
Sapphire is harder: Mohs 9 against Mohs 8 for Spinel.
Which is more valuable, Sapphire or Spinel?
Sapphire is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $5000 against $500 for Spinel, and premium Sapphire can reach $50000 or more.
