Sapphire vs Spinel: What’s the Real Difference Between These Gemstones?
When selecting gemstones, it's essential to understand the nuances between similar-looking stones.
In short: Sapphire (corundum, Mohs 9) is harder, more famous and significantly more expensive than spinel (Mohs 8), but spinel offers cleaner natural colour without heat treatment and is rarer in fine quality. A 1.00ct fine blue sapphire costs £400-£3,500+; equivalent blue spinel runs £150-£900. Both come in red, blue, pink and violet. Sapphire suits daily-wear engagement rings; spinel rewards collectors who value untreated stones.
Sapphire and spinel are two such gems that, while they may appear alike at first glance, possess distinct characteristics.
This article looks at the differences between sapphire and spinel, guiding you towards an informed decision for your jewellery selections.
Sapphire and Spinel: A Brief Overview
Sapphires have long been cherished for their deep blue hues and remarkable durability.
Composed of corundum (aluminium oxide), sapphires rank 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, making them second only to diamonds in hardness.
This exceptional hardness ensures their suitability for everyday wear, particularly in engagement rings and heirloom pieces.
Spinel, on the other hand, is a gemstone that has often been mistaken for sapphire due to its similar appearance.
Composed of magnesium aluminium oxide, spinel exhibits a range of colours, including reds, pinks, blues, and purples.
It has a hardness of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, indicating good durability, though it is slightly softer than sapphire.
If you’re drawn to vibrant, colourful designs, check out gemstone engagement rings that showcase both traditional and non-traditional stones.