Understanding Tanzanite vs. Sapphire: Key Differences and Similarities

Dec 31,2024 | Juyoyo

Tanzanite and sapphire are two brilliant gemstones often compared. Although they're both blue, they have very different characteristics. This article will explore the key differences and similarities between Tanzanite and Sapphire to help you better understand the two gems and make an informed choice.

tanzanite vs blue sapphire

What is Tanzanite?

Tanzanite is a rare blue-violet gemstone that is a variety of the mineral zoisite. It's best known for its beautiful blue-violet color, often with a hint of purple. It exhibits pleochroism, showing different colors when viewed from different angles. This adds to its unique beauty and visual appeal. Why is Tanzanite a rare gemstone? It's because it is found only in Tanzania, near Mount Kilimanjaro. Due to its rarity, unique color, and increasing popularity, Tanzanite has become a highly prized gemstone in the jewelry world.

Oval-Cut Tanzanite Engagement Ring Diamond Cluster December Birthstone Ring Rose Gold

What is Sapphire?

Sapphire is one of the precious gemstones, along with diamonds, rubies, and emeralds. It's most famous for its stunning blue color, but sapphires can also be found in various other colors, including pink, yellow, green, orange, and purple. Sapphire is a variety of the mineral corundum and is a 9 on the Mohs scale. This makes it very durable and resistant to scratches and damage. Sapphires have been prized for centuries for their beauty and durability, and they continue to be a popular choice for engagement rings, necklaces, and other fine jewelry.

Juyoyo Oval Cut Lab Sapphire Rose Gold Twisted Engagement Ring

Tanzanite vs. Sapphire: Color

Tanzanite: Tanzanite is best known for its striking blue-violet hue. It can show different colors (blue, violet, and burgundy) depending on the angle of light due to pleochroism. It often has a rich, deep color that can appear more vivid than many sapphires, especially in its finest tanzanites.
Sapphire: Best known for its deep blue color, sapphires can be found in nearly every color of the rainbow, including pink, yellow, green, orange, and purple. The most prized sapphires are those with a vivid, intense blue, commonly referred to as "cornflower blue.

Tanzanite vs. Sapphire: Hardness

Tanzanite: Scores 6.5-7 on the Mohs scale of hardness. Although relatively hard, tanzanite is more prone to scratching and damage than sapphire. However, with proper care, tanzanite engagement rings are still suitable for everyday wear.
Sapphire: Its exceptional hardness, scoring a 9 on the Mohs scale. It is one of the hardest gemstones and is highly scratch-resistant. This makes it an excellent choice for everyday jewelry, including engagement rings.

Tanzanite vs. Sapphire: Clarity

Clarity refers to the absence of internal defects or inclusions within a gemstone. Both tanzanite and sapphire can exhibit a range of clarity characteristics, but they tend to differ in this regard:

Tanzanite: Often has inclusions, which are natural imperfections such as tiny crystals or cracks. High-quality specimens may be eye-clean (visible inclusions not visible without magnification), but many stones contain visible inclusions.
Sapphire: It may have inclusions, but high-quality sapphires are typically known for their exceptional clarity with few to no visible flaws.

Tanzanite vs. Sapphire: Rarity & Value

Tanzanite: It is rare because it is found only in a small area near Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Its limited supply contributes significantly to its value. In general, Tanzanite can be less expensive than quality Sapphires, but can still command significant prices, especially for larger, more vivid stones.
Sapphire: Not as rare as tanzanite, but more readily available. Sapphires can range from affordable to extremely expensive, depending on factors such as color, clarity, size, and origin. Fine quality sapphires, especially those with intense color and high clarity, are still considered valuable.

Tanzanite vs. Sapphire: Price & Cost

Tanzanite: Generally more affordable than quality sapphires, especially in larger sizes, with prices ranging from $300 to $1,000 per carat or more. Limited geographic availability contributes to its price, along with demand and quality factors such as color and clarity.
Sapphire: Prices can vary widely in price, from around $50 per carat for lower-quality stones to over $10,000 per carat for exceptional quality. Factors that influence sapphire prices include color, clarity, size, treatment (heat-treated vs. untreated), and origin. Fine untreated blue sapphires, especially those with intense color and high clarity, can be quite expensive.

Tanzanite vs. Sapphire: Symbolism

Tanzanite Symbolism

Intuition and Spirituality: Its unique blue-violet color is believed to stimulate the third eye chakra, enhancing intuition and psychic abilities.
Communication and Clarity: Tanzanite is believed to enhance communication by promoting clarity in the expression of thoughts and feelings. It promotes open dialogue and enhances interpersonal relationships.
Healing and Tranquility: It's believed to have calming properties, helping to relieve stress, anxiety, and emotional blockages. It is often used in meditation to promote inner peace and balance.
Transformation and Growth: Tanzanite is often considered the stone of transformation, representing change and personal growth. It encourages individuals to embrace new beginnings and changes in their lives.
December Birthstone: As the December birthstone, tanzanite symbolizes love, prosperity, and the celebration of life, making it a meaningful gift for those born in this month.

Sapphire Symbolism

Loyalty and Faithfulness: Blue sapphires have long been considered symbols of loyalty, fidelity, and sincerity. Sapphire engagement rings often represent enduring love and commitment.
Protection and Strength: Sapphires are believed to have protective qualities, offering protection from negative energies and enhancing strength and courage.
Inspiration and Luck: The clear blue color of sapphires is often associated with hope, inspiration, and inner peace. They are also believed to attract luck and success, making them a popular choice for those seeking prosperity in their lives.
September Birthstone: As the birthstone for September, sapphires symbolize sincerity, truth, and faithfulness, making them meaningful gifts for those born in this month.

Tanzanite vs. Sapphire: Care and Maintenance

Tanzanite Care and Maintenance

Tanzanite has a hardness of 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale, making it relatively softer than sapphire. It's more susceptible to scratches and damage and requires careful handling. Clean tanzanite with mild soap and warm water using a soft cloth. Keep tanzanite away from harsh chemicals such as chlorine, household cleaners, and even some perfumes. Store your tanzanite jewelry away from other jewelry, especially the harder ones like sapphire, to prevent scratches.

Sapphire Care and Maintenance

Sapphires are more durable, with a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale. They are scratch-resistant and suitable for everyday wear. Similar to tanzanite, sapphires can be cleaned with mild soap and warm water and avoid exposure to harsh chemicals. For a deep clean, you can take your sapphire jewelry to a professional jeweler.

Tanzanite vs. Sapphire: Which is Better?

Determining whether Tanzanite or Sapphire is "better" depends entirely on your individual preferences, intended use, and the qualities you value most in a gemstone. Here's a breakdown to help you decide:

Stone	Tanzanite	Sapphire
Pros	Unique blue-violet color Often more affordable than high-quality sapphires Pleochroism adds visual interest	Exceptional hardness, making it durable for everyday wear A wide range of colors is available Often associated with royalty and wisdom
Cons	Lower hardness, making it more susceptible to scratches Limited availability due to its exclusive origin	High-quality sapphires, especially large blue ones, can be very expensive

Prioritize Color and Uniqueness

Tanzanite: Known for its striking blue-violet color, tanzanite offers a unique and vibrant appearance, especially under different lighting conditions.

Sapphire: Available in various colors, with blue being the most popular. Sapphires are known for their deep, rich colors and brilliance.

Value Durability and Everyday Wear

Tanzanite: Softer (6-7 on the Mohs scale) and more susceptible to scratching and damage.

Sapphire: Very durable (9 on the Mohs scale), second only the diamond (10 on the Mohs scale).

Consider price and cost

Tanzanite: often presents a more budget-friendly option compared to high-quality sapphires.

Sapphire: Prices can vary widely based on quality, but high-quality sapphires can be significantly more expensive.

Simple Guide to Choose

If you prefer a unique color and are looking for a more affordable option, a Tanzanite engagement ring is the best choice.

If you value durability, a wider range of colors, and traditional symbolism related to loyalty and wisdom, choosing a sapphire engagement ring is the right choice.

Conclusion

While both are known for their stunning blue colors, tanzanite and sapphire differ significantly in hardness, color range, price, and cultural symbolism. Tanzanite's distinctive bluish-purple color and relatively high transparency make it a favorite, while sapphire's hardness and wide range of colors make it a classic gemstone. Shop Juyoyo's tanzanite and sapphire jewelry. We use high-quality tanzanite and sapphire from around the world, and each stone is strictly controlled to ensure its pure color and crystal clarity.