Tanzanite vs Sapphire: Know The Major Differences
Tanzanite and sapphire are two of the famous blue gems. Although they are known to share several kinds of visual similarity, they are completely different stones. The primary factors differentiating these stones include their colour, hardness, rarity, price, origin, and astrological properties. In this blog, we will share the key differentiators between sapphire and tanzanite.
What is Blue Sapphire?
Blue Sapphire is a precious gemstone that belongs to the corundum mineral family. It is part of the nine astrological gems known as Navratnas. It is called by several other names, such as Neelam, Shanipriya, Indraneelam, etc. It is famous for its unique royal blue color. This gem is also very tough and highly durable, which makes it best for daily wear.
It is associated with Saturn (Shani) and is mainly used to negate its malefic effects. It is also helpful in attracting success and stability in the life of the wearer. These gems are normally valued for their vivid blue color and excellent clarity.
Key Features of Blue Sapphire
- This gem is related to the corundum mineral family
- Known as Neelam, Neelmani, and Indraneelam
- Famous for its deep royal blue color
- It has a Mohs hardness of 9
- Best for daily wear jewellery
- It is mainly used for astrological purposes
- The finest Blue Sapphires are sourced from Kashmir and Sri Lanka (Ceylon)
What is Tanzanite?
Tanzanite is a truly unique gemstone found in the Tanzania region of Africa. This gemstone was discovered in the year 1967 in Tanzania. It quickly gained popularity, and now it has become a favorite among gemstone lovers. Tanzanite is a unique gem that shows several different color combinations, varying from blue and violet when viewed at different angles or times of day due to its pleochroic characteristic.
Key Features of Tanzanite
- This gem is associated with the zoisite family of minerals
- It is known to display blue-violet to purple shades
- It has a Mohs hardness between 6 and 7
- It is mainly used for making designer ornaments
Appearance and Color Differences
One of the biggest differences between Tanzanite and Sapphire lies in their appearance and color tone. Although both gemstones belong to the blue gemstone family, they display very different visual characteristics. The main differences in their appearance are listed below:
Blue Sapphire
- It has a dark royal blue color
- It normally has a unique velvety appearance
- Strong brilliance and saturation
- It shows a uniform color distribution around the surface
Tanzanite
- It normally has Blue-violet color shades
- It also shows purple and lavender undertones
- It has a unique pleochroic color-changing effect
- This gem has a vibrant color and a softer appearance
Durability and Hardness Comparison
Durability is one of the most important factors while choosing a gemstone, especially for rings and daily wear jewellery. Below, we have listed some of the main differences between them in relation to durability:
Blue Sapphire
- It has a hardness of 9 on the Mohs Scale
- It can’t be scratched easily
- It is considered suitable for everyday wear
- Its shine also lasts longer than other gems
- It can be used for both formal and casual wear
- It is also worn for healing or astrological benefits
Tanzanite
- Mohs hardness between 6 and 7
- It is softer than Sapphires
- It normally requires careful handling
- It is better suited for occasional wear
Astrological Importance of Tanzanite and Sapphire
According to Vedic Astrology, both of these gemstones are associated with the planet Saturn. But Blue Sapphire has much greater power, because it is the main gemstone for Saturn. It helps to negate the malefic effects of shani and helps to enhance peace of mind.
On the other hand, Tanzanite is used primarily for emotional healing, creative expression, and balancing the spirit; it does not hold the same level of astrological benefits that Blue Sapphire does. Below we have listed some of the main benefits of these gemstones:
Astrological Benefits of Blue Sapphire
- Blue sapphire is helpful in strengthening the position of saturn in the kundali
- It helps to attract career growth and success in life
- It also increases the level of confidence and discipline
- It also helps to protect the wearer from negative energies
Healing Properties of Tanzanite
- This gem is known to promote emotional balance
- It helps to increase the intuition and creativity of the wearer
- It brings mental calmness
Price and Value Difference
One of the main differences between these gemstones is their prices. A Blue Sapphire is significantly more expensive than tanzanite due to its rarity, durability, and astrological powers. The price of Blue Sapphire in India generally ranges between Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 2,00,000+ per carat. But you must know that these prices may vary depending on the gemstone's origin, clarity, and treatment.
On the other hand, Tanzanite is comparatively more affordable; it usually costs between Rs. 1,500 to Rs.50,000+ per carat. However, some of the high-quality Tanzanite gemstones can still command impressive prices due to their rarity.
Which Gemstone Should You Choose?
Choosing between Tanzanite and Sapphire depends on your purpose, budget, and personal preferences. If you want to purchase a powerful astrological gem, then you should buy an original neelam stone. Because it helps to strengthen the position of planet saturn in the horoscope and heals the malefic effects of Dhaiya and Shani Sade Sati. But, if you want a modern and rare gemstone with blue-violet shades, Tanzanite is an excellent option.
Conclusion
It must be kept in mind that both Tanzanite and Blue Sapphire are beautiful gems with different characteristics. The Blue Sapphire can easily be recognized by its deep blue colour and incredible hardness. Apart from this, Tanzanite is known to show a unique optical effect called pleochroism. Due to this light effect, it displays different colours when viewed from different angles. You can choose any of the above-mentioned gems as per your requirements. You can buy all kinds of gemstones and rudraksha at affordable prices from RashiRatanBhagya.
