It’s the natural tendency among human beings to compare the two best or highly sought-after entities and give one the title of victor. No domain is untouched from such comparisons and gemstones are no exception. Green color gemstones are one of the most alluring gemstone types on the basis of color. According to color psychology, Green color represents a lot of desirable attributes like serenity, vibrancy, and freshness. Thus, green color gemstones are preferred primarily by those who seek wisdom, liveliness, and tranquility in life.
Out of all the vibrant green color gemstones, natural panna stone and green sapphire are the most sought-after and valuable gemstones with unique characteristics and transfiguring astrological benefits. Emerald or panna gemstone belongs to the Beryl mineral family and owns its green color to the traces of Vanadium or Chromium. On the other hand, Green Sapphire is an integral member of the Corundum mineral family ( made up of Aluminium oxide) and owes its green color to iron traces. Though both gemstones exhibit lush green to pale green color with dull hues of yellow, they differ from each other profoundly.
This blog post on Emerald vs Green Sapphire comprises the most in-depth and technical comparison between behemoth gemstones on the basis of origin, color, hardness, physical properties, astrological benefits, price, and popularity.
Table of Contents
Emerald vs Green Sapphire: The Handy Comparison
Emerald vs Green Sapphire: Origin
Emeralds
Natural emeralds are formed naturally in igneous and metamorphic rocks. Some common sources are hydrothermal veins and greisen deposits.
Typically found in countries like Colombia, Brazil, Zambia, Afghanistan, Russia, Egypt, Zimbabwe, Pakistan, and India. Some deposits date back 3 billion years.
Associated with trace elements like chromium, vanadium, and beryllium. The chromium is responsible for the green color.
Green Sapphires
Green sapphires are formed naturally in metamorphic rock, volcanic rock, and certain sediments. They are also found in alluvial deposits.
Sources include Thailand, Australia, Nigeria, Tanzania, China, Madagascar, Montana in the USA, and Pailin in Cambodia. Deposits vary in age.
Trace elements include iron and titanium which interact to cause the green hues. Most green sapphires have very low levels of these trace elements compared to other colors of sapphire.
In summary, emeralds have a more specific geological origin in igneous and metamorphic hydrothermal veins and greisen. Green sapphires form in a wider range of rock types and locations.
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Emerald vs Green Sapphire: Color
Emerald:
Color Range: Emeralds are typically green gemstones and are a variety of the mineral beryl. The most desirable emerald color is a pure green to slightly bluish-green, with vivid saturation.
Tone: Emeralds often have a medium to medium-dark tone, which means they are not too light or too dark. This allows for the green color to be rich and intense.
Inclusions: Natural emeralds often have inclusions, which are referred to as “jardin” (French for garden). These inclusions are accepted in emeralds and can be considered as part of their character.
Green Sapphire:
Color Range: Green sapphires can exhibit a range of green tones, from light to dark. The color can vary from yellowish-green to bluish-green.
Tone: The tone of green sapphires can vary widely, and they may be lighter or darker than emeralds. Some green sapphires may have a pastel-like appearance, while others may be more saturated and intense.
Inclusions: Sapphires, including green sapphires, can have inclusions, but they are generally more accepted in sapphires than in emeralds. Sapphires are known for their durability and are less prone to breakage than emeralds.
Emerald vs Green Sapphire: Hardness
Emerald
Chemical composition: Beryllium aluminum silicate (Be3Al2(SiO3)6)
Mohs hardness: 7.5-8
Known for its vibrant green color
Green Sapphire
Chemical composition: Aluminum oxide (Al2O3) with traces of iron, titanium, or chromium
Mohs hardness: 9
Typically lighter green than emerald
The key difference in hardness between the original panna stone and green sapphire is that emerald rates 7.5-8 on the Mohs hardness scale, while green sapphire rates a 9. So green sapphire is harder than emerald. Green sapphire’s high hardness comes from its corundum structure, making it very durable and resistant to wear and tear. By contrast, the emerald stone has a more complex crystal structure that gives it a moderate hardness but also allows it to display very rich color.
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Emerald vs Green Sapphire: Physical Properties
Emerald:
Mineral Composition: Emerald is a variety of the mineral beryl. Its green color comes from the presence of chromium and vanadium.
Hardness: Emeralds have a hardness of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale. While this makes them relatively hard, they are not as hard as sapphires or diamonds and can be more prone to scratches.
Specific Gravity: The specific gravity of emeralds typically ranges from 2.67 to 2.78. Specific gravity is a measure of density, and emeralds are relatively lightweight compared to some other gemstones.
Refractive Index: The refractive index of natural panna stone ranges from approximately 1.565 to 1.602. This property influences the way light interacts with the gemstone, affecting its brilliance.
Durability: Emeralds are known to be more brittle and may have more inclusions compared to some other gemstones. They require more care to prevent damage, and special precautions should be taken during cleaning and setting.
Green Sapphire:
Mineral Composition: Green sapphire is a variety of corundum, the same mineral that forms rubies. The green color is usually due to the presence of iron.
Hardness: Sapphires, including green sapphires, are very durable and have a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale. This makes them one of the hardest gemstones and suitable for everyday wear.
Specific Gravity: The specific gravity of green sapphires is around 3.98 to 4.1, making them denser than emeralds. This high density contributes to their durability and resistance to abrasion.
Refractive Index: The refractive index of green sapphires ranges from approximately 1.762 to 1.778. Sapphires exhibit excellent brilliance and are known for their high luster.
Durability: Sapphires, including green sapphires, are generally more durable and less prone to breakage than emeralds. They are suitable for various types of jewelry and can withstand everyday wear.
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Emerald vs Green Sapphire: Astrological Benefits
Emerald
Associated with the planet Mercury. Said to enhance intelligence, eloquence, and focus. Believed to be especially beneficial for Gemini and Virgo zodiac signs.
Thought to bring success in education, business, and trades. Also associated with improving memory and concentration.
Used as a talisman for writers, journalists, accountants, lawyers, and other professions requiring strong communication or analytical skills.
Green Sapphire
Associated with the planet Saturn and element of Earth. Considered grounding and stabilizing.
Purported to bring discipline, patience, and consistency. Believed to temper aggressive tendencies while enhancing determination and drive.
Thought to attract wealth and prosperity. Also used as a protective stone.
Believed to be especially beneficial for Capricorn and Taurus zodiac signs due to Saturn’s influence. But also compatible with Virgo and Scorpio.
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Emerald vs Green Sapphire: Price & Popularity
Emeralds:
Price: High-quality emeralds with intense, vibrant green color and few inclusions can command high prices, sometimes even surpassing the cost of diamonds. The price of emeralds is greatly influenced by color, with the most vivid and saturated greens being the most valuable. Additionally, emeralds with fewer inclusions are generally more valuable.
Popularity: Emeralds are popular and highly sought after for fine jewelry, particularly in engagement rings, earrings, and necklaces. Their rich green color is associated with luxury and elegance. However, their popularity is also affected by the fact that finding high-quality emeralds with minimal inclusions can be challenging.
Green Sapphires:
Price: Green sapphires are generally more affordable than high-quality emeralds. The price of green sapphires can vary based on factors such as color, clarity, and size. While some green sapphires may be less expensive than emeralds, others with intense and vivid green hues may still command higher prices.
Popularity: Green sapphires have gained popularity as an alternative to emeralds, especially for individuals who prefer a more durable gemstone. Sapphires, in general, are highly valued for their durability and come in a variety of colors. Green sapphires are used in various types of jewelry, including rings, earrings, and pendants.
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