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The qualities like honesty, truthfulness, simplicity, and courage are the most intriguing factors in a human. One should learn to look up to these qualities to know the difference between all the things in life. Emerald vs Sapphire is one such differentiator with all the above qualities - the biggest of two gems in the jewel world, after diamond. They differ a lot in terms of quality, color, benefits and value.
Sapphire comes from corundum when different elements in trace quantities are mixed with this mineral and tend to showcase different colors. For example, if titanium and iron are mixed in the mineral, it turns royal blue making the gem look delightful.
Emerald Stone comes from a mineral called beryl, which makes up another gemstone called aquamarine. The presence of the trace elements - vanadium and chromium- turns bluish-green in the shade.
Read More:- Who Should Wear Emerald
Even though these gemstones look stunning, the question is, if you were to choose between an emerald and a Sapphire, what would you go for?
Thus, we offer a comparison that might help you make a better decision!
Sapphire is a gem that has been wowed for ages and gets its name from the Greek word ‘sappheiros’. Loved by royalty, this gem is believed to attract blessings and foster peace. It is also said to symbolize faith and hope. The ancient Greeks and Romans believed that the blue Sapphire offered protection, representing loyalty, wisdom, trust, and good luck. This gem also has biblical significance, historians stated that the ten commandments are written on sapphire tablets.
Once part of Cleopatra’s royal jewel collection, the emerald has fascinated the world; this gem symbolizes rebirth, good fortune, youth and growth. In Rome, Emperor Nero used to watch gladiator fights through an emerald for the soothing effect. Some cultures believed that emeralds kept one safe from evil, whereas the Greeks associated this gem with Venus - the goddess of love.
Expand your knowledge through checking:- Emerald Stone Finger
Emerald vs Sapphire: Clarity
Sapphire stone usually have inclusions caused by gasses or liquids. Other inclusions, like color zoning and cavities, may affect the clarity of a natural sapphire. It is said that if there are no inclusions, it is likely to be a lab-created sapphire. As for grading, Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3, with Type 1 having no inclusions visible to the naked eye, Type 1 sapphire are the most valuable.
Emeralds have eye-visible, garden-like inclusions, also known as ‘jardin’. 99% of natural emeralds have inclusions visible to the naked eye. So while buying an emerald, avoid emeralds with too many prominent inclusions, as they affect the beauty and durability of the stone.
Sapphire belongs to the corundum and is composed of aluminum and oxygen. Brilliance is the amount of white light that any gem reflects and is measured in terms of the refractive index. On the other hand, Emeralds are a variety of beryl and have traces of chromium that lend its rich green hue. The refractive index for Sapphire is between 1.76 - 1.77, while an emerald has a refractive index of 1.57 - 1.58. Thus we can say that a sapphire exudes more brilliance compared to an emerald.
Emerald: Beryl is formed in hexagonal crystal and requires the right temperature and space, and beryllium, aluminum, silicon, and oxygen must be present. Since beryl is essentially colorless when pure, it requires traces of chromium and vanadium in the soil where it grows in order to turn green. This all occurs over hundreds of years or many more. They are mined worldwide, yet much of the world’s supply comes from Colombia, Brazil, and Zambia.
Read More:- Types of Emeralds - The Ultimate Guide
Sapphire: All natural sapphires are old and formed deep in the earth’s crust over 150 million years ago due to specific shifts in heat and pressure. They don’t just develop in any rock; they crystallize in slow-cooling igneous or metamorphic rocks rich in aluminum and devoid of silicon, which is why they are so rare. The sapphire deposits can be found worldwide, such as in Tanzania, Madagascar, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Montana.
Emeralds: Emeralds come in hues ranging from yellowish-green to bluish-green, with the primary hue of green. In regards to tone, an emerald must have a medium to the dark tone and is called green beryl. Overall, the most desirable emeralds are bluish-green to pure green, with vivid color and tone medium or not too dark.
Emerald: Emeralds have a 7.5 - 8 on the Mohs Hardness scale, while it is not as hard and durable as sapphires are very resilient. They are also perfect for everyday wear and are scratch-resistant and durable, so it is improbable that you will damage an emerald.
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Sapphire: They have 9 out of 10 on the Mohs scale and are the third hardest mineral. Only diamonds and moissanite are harder than Sapphire, which makes Sapphire extraordinarily durable and perfect for everyday wear.
Emeralds with good quality are priced between $525 to $1125 per carat. They are usually available in round, oval, and cushion-cut as they emphasize the gem's sparkle. Emeralds come in round, oval, and pear shapes; the emerald cut is the most popular and is intended especially for this gemstone. It emphasizes the vibrant color and richness of the emerald while guarding against chipping.
The points above must have cleared the significant differences between the two gemstones. These gems are relatively rare, and most have inclusions or fractures. Even though there are slight differences, one thing is clear: these gemstones can be used daily.
If you love colorful gems, Sapphire is the right choice for you as it comes in blue, green, white, yellow, pink, purple, and even black ..you’ll find it in every shade. In contrast, the emerald has only one shade - green to bluish-green, which looks stunning. In terms of price, these gemstones are precious and priced relatively closer to each other.
Sapphire is a rainbow of colors, durability, and sparkle, making it a sought-after gem. That’s not all; this gem symbolizes luxury, good fortune, royalty and trust. On the other hand, emerald is a must-have with its lush and vivid green hue. This gem is also symbolic of abundance, rejuvenation and peace; when set in jewelry, emerald takes on a charm of its own. Who wouldn’t an ancient and eye-catching gem that dates back to 330 BC - Cleopatra’s favorite.
Lastly, it all comes to personal preference. So buying a sapphire or an emerald lies in your hands. Wearing both of these gemstones will make you the talk of the town!
No matter what you choose, Emerald or Sapphire, both are priceless treasures to cherish in your life forever!
Read More :- White Sapphires vs Diamonds: Major Differences
