Blue gemstones are among the most popular and timeless choices for jewellery, and two of the most beloved options are aquamarine and sapphire. Aquamarine is a striking blue-green gemstone that is known for its clarity and ocean-like hue, while sapphire is a royal blue stone that has been treasured for centuries for its beauty and durability. Though both stones share a similar colour, they differ significantly in terms of their properties, origins, and cultural significance. In this article, we will explore the differences between aquamarine and sapphire, including their appearance, value, and symbolism, to help you decide which gemstone is the right fit for you.
Aquamarine Gemstone
A gorgeous gemstone from the beryl mineral family is aquamarine. Iron is present in its crystal structure, which gives the substance its light blue or turquoise colour. Aquamarine is a tough choice for jewellery with a Mohs hardness value of 7.5 to 8. Brazil, Madagascar, and the United States are just a few of the countries where aquamarine may be found. Brazil is home to the most sought-after aquamarine variants, which are distinguished by their intense blue-green hue. In addition to its beauty, aquamarine is thought to provide a variety of advantages and qualities.
It once held the reputation of being a talisman for sailors, providing defence against storms and other perils of the open sea. Additionally, it is reported to provide calming and soothing effects that enhance mental clarity while encouraging relaxation and stress reduction. Jewellery typically contains aquamarine, particularly rings, earrings, and necklaces. It works well together to produce eye-catching designs with other jewels, such as diamonds. The birthstone for March is aquamarine, making it a special present for anybody born in that month. All things considered, aquamarine is a precious stone with a long history and a number of claimed characteristics. It is a beloved addition to any collection and a popular option for jewellery because of its peaceful vibe and beautiful appearance.
Sapphire Gemstone
Sapphire is a precious gemstone that belongs to the corundum mineral family. It is one of the most popular gemstones in the world, known for its stunning blue colour, but it can also come in other colours like pink, yellow, green, and orange. Here are some details about sapphire gemstones. Sapphire is composed of aluminium oxide with trace amounts of other minerals like iron, titanium, chromium, and magnesium. The most common colour of sapphire is blue, but it can also come in other colours, which are referred to as fancy sapphires.
The colour of sapphire is determined by the amount and type of impurities present in the mineral. Sapphire is one of the hardest minerals on Earth, with a score of 9 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. This makes it an excellent choice for jewellery that is worn daily. Sapphire is found in many parts of the world, including Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Australia, and the United States. The most famous sapphires come from Kashmir, Burma, and Sri Lanka. Sapphires have been associated with healing properties for centuries. They are believed to have a calming effect on the mind and help with emotional balance, clarity, and focus.
They are also believed to have physical healing properties, especially when it comes to the throat, eyes, and ears. Sapphire is primarily used in jewellery, including rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. It is also used in watch faces, scientific instruments, and other industrial applications. The cost of sapphire can vary widely depending on factors such as colour, clarity, and size. Blue sapphires are generally more expensive than other colours, with prices ranging from a few hundred to tens of thousands of dollars per carat for the finest stones.
Difference Between Aquamarine vs Sapphire
| Aquamarine gemstone | Sapphire gemstone |
| Benefits: Aquamarine is associated with the planet Neptune. Aquamarine is believed to align with the throat chakra, which is associated with communication and self-expression. Neptune is associated with spiritual enlightenment. Aquamarine is believed to have a calming effect on the mind and emotions and is often used to help with anxiety and stress. Aquamarine is associated with the zodiac signs Pisces, Aquarius, and Aries. | Benefits: Sapphire is associated with the planet Saturn. In astrology, Saturn is associated with discipline and hard work. Sapphire is believed to align with the third eye chakra, which is associated with intuition and spiritual awareness. Sapphire is believed to help with mental clarity and focus and is often used to enhance spiritual awareness and meditation. Sapphire is associated with the zodiac signs Capricorn, Taurus, and Virgo. |
| Ideal wearer: Aquamarine is often associated with the planet Neptune and is believed to bring calmness and tranquillity to the wearer. It is believed to be particularly beneficial for those born under the zodiac signs of Pisces, Aquarius, and Gemini. People with these signs are thought to benefit from the calming and soothing energies of the gemstone, which can help them navigate emotional turmoil and improve communication skills. | Ideal wearer: Sapphire, on the other hand, is often associated with the planet Saturn and is believed to bring wisdom, discipline, and protection to the wearer. It is believed to be particularly beneficial for those born under the zodiac signs of Capricorn, Aquarius, and Taurus. People with these signs are thought to benefit from the protective energies of the gemstone, which can help them overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. |
| Value: Aquamarine is a more common gemstone, found in many locations worldwide. This abundance makes it more accessible and affordable compared to sapphire. However, high-quality aquamarines with intense blue-green hues can still command a high value. Ultimately, the value of a gemstone depends on a variety of factors, and it’s important to work with a reputable gemologist or jeweller to determine the true value of a particular stone. | Value: Sapphire is generally considered more valuable than aquamarine due to its rarity. Sapphires are much harder to find than aquamarines, especially in high-quality and large sizes. The scarcity of sapphire makes it more desirable and sought-after, driving up its value in the market. Additionally, sapphires come in a wide range of colours, including blue, pink, yellow, and green, with some colours being rarer than others, which further adds to their value. |
| Rarity: Aquamarine is a more common gemstone compared to sapphire. It is found in many locations worldwide and is relatively abundant. However, aquamarine can still exhibit variations in colour and quality, and high-quality stones can be rare and valuable. Deep blue-green hues with high clarity and a well-proportioned cut are particularly prized in aquamarine. | Rarity: Sapphire is a relatively rare gemstone, particularly in high-quality large sizes and in certain colours such as pink and yellow. This rarity makes sapphire a highly sought-after gemstone and drives up its value in the market. |
