Making an informed decision: Blue Sapphire vs Tanzanite, which one is right for you?

Making an informed decision: Blue Sapphire vs Tanzanite, which one is right for you?
5 min read
13 February 2023

Gemstones have always been a symbol of beauty, wealth, and luxury. People have been fascinated by them for centuries, and their popularity has only increased with time. Two of the most sought-after gemstones in the world are Blue Sapphire and Tanzanite. Both of these gemstones are known for their exceptional beauty and rarity, making them highly coveted by gem collectors and jewelry enthusiasts. In this article, we will compare Blue Sapphire and Tanzanite in detail to help you understand their differences and similarities.

What is Blue Sapphire?

Blue Sapphire is a variety of the mineral Corundum and is known for its deep blue color. It is a hard and durable stone that is prized for its clarity, brightness, and vivid blue hue. Blue Sapphire is a popular choice for engagement rings, as it is believed to symbolize loyalty, love, and trust.

Properties of Blue Sapphire

  • Hardness: 9 on the Mohs scale
  • Color: Blue, but can also be found in other colors such as yellow, pink, green, and purple
  • Cut: Many different cuts are available, including round, oval, cushion, pear, and emerald
  • Clarity: Transparent to translucent, with some inclusions
  • Rarity: Blue Sapphire is a relatively common gemstone
  • Price: Varies based on the quality of the stone and its weight

What is Tanzanite?

Tanzanite is a relatively new gemstone, discovered in the 1960s in Tanzania. It is a blue-violet to a violet-blue variety of the mineral Zoisite and is prized for its unique color and rarity. Tanzanite is a soft stone, making it more prone to scratches and damage, but it is still popular among gem collectors and jewelry enthusiasts.

Properties of Tanzanite

  • Hardness: 6.5 on the Mohs scale
  • Color: Blue-violet to violet-blue
  • Cut: Many different cuts are available, including round, oval, cushion, pear, and emerald
  • Clarity: Transparent to translucent, with some inclusions
  • Rarity: Tanzanite is a rare gemstone, with limited deposits found only in Tanzania
  • Price: Varies based on the quality of the stone and its weight

Blue Sapphire vs Tanzanite

Due to the resembling appearances of these gemstones, it becomes hard for people to differentiate them and choose either one. For this reason, this blog offers a comprehensive comparison of both these exquisite gemstones.

Difference in Hardness 

One of the main differences between Blue Sapphire and Tanzanite is their hardness. Blue Sapphire possesses a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness whereas Tanzanite has a hardness of just 6. Thus, Blue Sapphire is much harder than Tanzanite, which makes it more durable and resistant to scratches and damage. This also makes Blue Sapphires more preferable to be used in customized jewelry items such as engagement rings. Hence if you're looking for a gemstone that can stand up to daily wear and tear, Blue Sapphire is the better choice. 

Difference in Color 

Another important difference between Blue Sapphire and Tanzanite is their color. Blue Sapphire is known for its deep blue hue, while Tanzanite is known for its blue-violet to violet-blue color. The most valuable kind of Blue Sapphires come in cornflower and royal blue shades, whereas Tanzanites are known for their pleochroism effects. If you're looking for a stone with a more distinctive, unique color, Tanzanite may be the better choice. 

Difference in Rarity 

When it comes to rarity, Tanzanite takes the cake. This gemstone is found only in a single location in Tanzania, making it much rarer than Blue Sapphire.

Difference in Prices

Blue Sapphires have been considered to be the most desirable stones since ancient times, and even now, their demand has still gone up. Due to this, Blue Sapphires are more expensive than Tanzanite stones. However, if you are looking to buy an affordable substitute for Blue Sapphire, then Tanzanite is the best choice as it gives a quite similar look.

Why Choose Navratan?

Navratan is a one-stop shop for all kinds of natural and certified gemstones that come in a wide range of origins, shapes and sizes to choose from. Every gemstone at Navratan, the online gem bazaar, goes through a series of tests at specialized labs to check their originality and gain insight into their properties. Also, you can get your preferred gemstones while sitting at your home in any place in the world with our excellent shipping facilities.

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At Navratan we have a pool of professional in house artisans that are expert in creating gemstone with beauty and power. The gemstones are made naturally by Mot...
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