When it comes to gemstones, two of the most sought-after are emerald and blue sapphire. Whether for their beauty, power or simply because they look stunning in jewellery and more beneficial according to astrology also, emeralds and sapphires have been coveted by many throughout history. In this article, we will compare emerald stone vs blue sapphire so you can decide which is better suited for your needs.
Explanation of Emerald Vs Blue Sapphire
Emerald is a variety of a mineral called beryl which has its origins in various parts of the world including Colombia, Brazil and Africa. It ranges in colour from light green to deep emerald green with an oily or glassy lustre. Blue sapphire, on the other hand, is a variety of corundum and has its origins in Sri Lanka, Burma and Thailand. It comes in shades of blue including light baby blue to deep navy blue with an adamantine or vitreous lustre.
Importance of Choosing the Right Gemstone
When selecting emerald stone vs blue sapphire for jewellery or any other purpose, it is important to consider various factors such as colour, hardness and durability, astrological significance and price point. Knowing these details can help you choose the best gemstone for your needs.
Emerald Stone
Characteristics of Emerald Stone
Colour, Transparency, and Luster: Emeralds range in colour from light green to deep emerald green with an oily or glassy lustre. The transparency can vary depending on the quality of the stone and its origin.
Hardness and Durability: On the Moh’s scale emerald has a hardness rating between 7.5 – 8 which makes it durable enough for everyday wear but delicate enough that it may require specialized care over time to prevent damage from scratches, chips and other signs of wear and tear.
Historical Significance of Emerald
Emeralds have a long and rich history in various cultures around the world with some of the earliest emeralds being found in ancient Egyptian tombs. The emerald is said to bring youth, wealth and luck as well as enhance mental clarity and intuition.
Astrological Benefits of Emerald
In astrology, the emerald is associated with the planet Mercury which governs communication, intelligence, mind power and travel. It is believed that emeralds can help people align their thoughts with higher spiritual realms and open up new channels of understanding.
Care and Maintenance of Emerald
Due to their delicate nature, emerald requires special care when it comes to cleaning, storing and wearing. It should be stored away from other jewellery to prevent scratching and wrapped in a cloth or soft pouch when not worn. Cleaning emeralds should be done with warm water, mild soap and a soft cloth or brush.
Blue Sapphire
Characteristics of Blue Sapphire
Colour, Transparency, and Luster: Blue sapphire ranges in colour from light baby blue to deep navy blue with an adamantine or vitreous lustre. The transparency can vary depending on the quality of the stone and its origin.
Hardness and Durability: On the Moh’s scale blue sapphire has a hardness rating between 9-9.5 which makes it resistant to scratches, chips and other signs of wear and tear. It is also durable enough for everyday wear.
Historical Significance of Blue Sapphire
Blue sapphire has been prized for centuries due to its beauty and rarity and can be found in ancient manuscripts, jewellery pieces and crowns from various cultures around the world. In mythology, it is said to bring wisdom, insight and good luck.
Astrological Benefits of Blue Sapphire
In astrology blue sapphire is associated with the planet Jupiter which governs prosperity, growth, goal attainment and justice. It is believed that blue sapphire can help people make sound decisions, attract abundance into their lives and promote spiritual growth.
Care and Maintenance of Blue Sapphire
Due to its hardness blue sapphire requires less specialized care compared to emeralds, however, it should still be stored away from other jewellery and wrapped in a cloth or soft pouch when not being worn. Cleaning can be done with warm water, mild soap and a soft cloth or brush.
Emerald Stone vs Blue Sapphire
When deciding between emerald stone vs blue sapphire there are several factors to consider such as colour, hardness and durability, astrological significance and price point. Emerald is considered more delicate due to its lower hardness rating yet has the benefit of having a greater range of colours available as well as centuries of symbolism and meaning attached to it.
Blue sapphire on the other hand offers great durability due to its higher hardness rating, is more affordable and serves as a powerful symbol of strength and prosperity. Ultimately the decision between emerald stone vs blue sapphire depends on personal preference and desired outcome.
FAQs
Which is better, blue sapphire or emerald?
The answer to this question is subjective and depends on personal preference. Both blue sapphire and emerald are beautiful gemstones with unique characteristics. Blue sapphire is known for its rich blue colour and durability, while emerald is famous for its vivid green colour and rarity. Ultimately, the choice between blue sapphire and emerald comes down to personal preference and the desired characteristics of a gemstone.
Is emerald more expensive than blue sapphire?
Emeralds are generally more expensive than blue sapphires due to their rarity and demand. Emeralds are also typically more difficult to source as they are only found in a few locations around the world. Additionally, emeralds often have more inclusions and require more processing to enhance their clarity and colour, which can also contribute to their higher cost.
Is emerald stronger than sapphire?
No, sapphire is generally considered to be stronger than emeralds. Sapphire is a 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness, while emerald is only a 7.5 to 8. This means that sapphire is more durable and less likely to scratch or chip than emeralds. However, both gemstones can still be damaged by hard impacts or extreme temperature changes and require proper care and handling to maintain their beauty and value.
Conclusion
Emeralds and blue sapphires are both stunning stones that offer their own unique benefits. Depending on what you are looking for emerald or blue sapphire can be an excellent choice for everyday wear or special occasions such as engagement rings or anniversary gifts. As with any gemstone, it is important to keep in mind proper cleaning, storing and wearing habits to ensure your stone stays beautiful for many years to come.
Also explore Emerald vs Diamond, Green Onyx Stone Vs Emerald and many more at Emerald Stone Online.
