1st - Gold 
January 
February 
March 
April 
May 
June 
July 
August 
September 
October 
November 
December 
Capricorn - Garnet 
Aquarius - Amethyst 
Pisces - Aquamarine 
Aries - Diamond 
Taurus - Emerald 
Gemini - Pearl 
Cancer - Ruby 
Leo - Peridot 
Virgo - Blue Sapphire 
Libra - Opal 
Scorpio - Topaz 
Sagittarius - Tanzanite 
Sapphire vs Aquamarine
Which Blue Gemstone Should You Choose?
When choosing between blue gemstones, Sapphire and Aquamarine are two of the most popular and elegant options. While both display beautiful blue tones, they differ in hardness, clarity, value, and overall appearance.
This comprehensive sapphire vs aquamarine gemstone guide will help you understand the key differences and choose the ideal gemstone for your jewellery needs.
Sapphire vs Aquamarine: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Sapphire | Aquamarine |
|---|---|---|
| Mineral Family | Corundum | Beryl |
| Hardness | 9 – Extremely durable | 7.5 – 8 – Durable |
| Value | High; premium gemstone | Moderate; accessible luxury |
| Best For | Engagement rings, heirloom jewellery | Elegant pendants, earrings, statement pieces |
| Professional Guides | Sapphire Buyer’s Guide | Aquamarine Buyer’s Guide |
Sapphire Features, Colour & Investment Value Explained
Sapphire is one of the most recognised and valuable blue gemstones. With a Mohs hardness of 9, sapphire jewellery is extremely durable and ideal for everyday wear. The finest sapphires display a deep, velvety royal blue colour, often associated with luxury and prestige.
Origins & History:
Sapphires are sourced from Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Mozambique, and Myanmar. Historically, sapphires symbolised wisdom, royalty, and protection, making them highly desirable in fine jewellery.
Price Guide (per carat):
R15,000 – R300,000+ depending on origin, colour, and clarity.
Aquamarine Features, Colour & Durability Explained
Aquamarine is a member of the beryl family and is known for its light, ocean-blue tones. Aquamarine jewellery is popular for its clarity, brilliance, and affordability compared to sapphire.
Origins & History:
Aquamarines are found in Brazil, Madagascar, Nigeria, and Mozambique. The name means “water of the sea”, reflecting its calm, refreshing blue colour.
Price Guide (per carat):
R1,500 – R20,000 depending on colour intensity and size.
Sapphire vs Aquamarine: Detailed Technical Comparison
| Feature | Sapphire | Aquamarine |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Composition | Aluminium oxide (Al2O3) | Beryllium aluminium silicate (Be3Al2Si6O18) |
| Colour | Deep blue, royal blue, velvety blue | Light blue to medium blue, aqua tones |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 9 – Extremely durable | 7.5 – 8 – Durable for jewellery |
| Refractive Index | 1.762 – 1.770 | 1.577 – 1.583 |
| Specific Gravity | 3.97 – 4.05 | 2.68 – 2.74 |
| Clarity & Inclusions | Inclusions common; eye-clean rare | Typically eye-clean; excellent clarity |
| Origin | Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Mozambique, Myanmar | Brazil, Madagascar, Nigeria, Mozambique |
| Treatment | Heat treatment common | Heat treatment common to enhance colour |
| Best Use | Engagement rings, heirloom jewellery | Pendants, earrings, elegant jewellery |
Sapphire vs Aquamarine: Colour, Hardness & Care Tips
Colour Comparison:
- Sapphire: Deep, rich blue with strong saturation; highly valuable.
- Aquamarine: Light, transparent blue with a calming, watery appearance.
Hardness & Durability:
- Sapphire: Mohs 9 – ideal for daily wear jewellery.
- Aquamarine: Mohs 7.5–8 – durable but slightly softer; best for protected settings.
Care Tips:
- Sapphire: Easy to maintain; avoid harsh chemicals.
- Aquamarine: Clean gently; avoid impact and prolonged exposure to heat.
Sapphire vs Aquamarine: How to Tell Them Apart
💡 Tip: Sapphire is darker and more saturated, while aquamarine is lighter and clearer. Aquamarine typically appears more transparent and less intense in colour.
Sapphire Summary
- Hardness: Mohs 9 – extremely durable
- Colour: Deep blue, royal blue
- Refractive Index: 1.762 – 1.770
- Inclusions: Common
- Care: Ideal for daily wear
Aquamarine Summary
- Hardness: Mohs 7.5 – 8 – durable
- Colour: Light to medium blue
- Refractive Index: 1.577 – 1.583
- Inclusions: Minimal; eye-clean
- Care: Avoid knocks and heat
Buying Tips
- Always request certification for sapphire jewellery purchases.
- Choose sapphires based on colour saturation and origin.
- For aquamarine jewellery, prioritise clarity and cut.
- Ensure treatments are disclosed for both gemstones.
- Browse our Sapphire Collection and Aquamarine Collection.
Which Blue Gemstone Should You Choose?
Both are stunning blue gemstones, offering different aesthetics and value propositions depending on your preference.
Sapphire: Best for luxury, durability, and long-term investment.
Aquamarine: Ideal for elegant, affordable, and light blue gemstones.
Sapphire vs Aquamarine FAQ’s
Is sapphire more valuable than aquamarine?
Yes, sapphire is generally more valuable due to rarity and colour intensity.
Can aquamarine be worn daily?
Yes, but it is softer than sapphire and should be worn with care.
Which gemstone is better for engagement rings?
Sapphire is preferred due to its superior hardness and durability
Are sapphires treated?
Most sapphires are heat-treated to enhance colour and clarity.
Is aquamarine always light blue?
Yes, aquamarine typically appears in lighter blue tones.
Which gemstone is clearer?
Aquamarine usually has better clarity and appears more transparent.
COMPARE GEMSTONES WITH CONFIDENCE
Gemstone Comparison Guides
Choosing between two beautiful gemstones can be challenging. Our professional Gemstone Comparison Guides help you clearly understand the differences between popular gemstones so you can make a confident and informed choice.
Each comparison explores the key factors that influence gemstone quality and value, including colour, clarity, durability, rarity and typical treatments. You will also learn how similar-looking gemstones differ in appearance, composition, hardness and more.
HERE IS ALL THE PROFESSIONAL INFORMATION YOU NEED
Gemstone Buyer's Guides
Buying a gemstone should be exciting — but understanding quality, rarity and value is essential before making the right choice. Our professional Gemstone Buyer’s Guides help you understand how colour, clarity, cut and treatments influence the beauty and value of different gemstones.
Each guide explains the key quality factors used by gemologists, including gemstone composition, colour grading, natural inclusions, treatments and origin. You will also learn how these factors affect rarity, durability and market value.
Beryl Family
Feldspar Gemstones
Pyroxene Gemstones
Spodumene Family
Chalcedony & Agate
Quartz Gemstones
Amethyst
Ametrine
Citrine
Prasiolite
Quartz
Rose Quartz
Rutile Quartz
Smoky Quartz
Rare & Collector Gemstones
Apatite
Chrysoberyl
Clinozoisite
Fluorite
Grandidierite
Iolite
Jade
Kyanite
Lapis Lazuli
Phosphosiderite
Prehnite
Serendibite
Sillimanite
Sphene
Sugilite
Vesuvianite