n order to work with our crystals effectively, we need to understand their properties. With crystals that look similar or have similar uses, such as emeralds and sapphire it can be difficult to determine which one to work with. The answer should always be; the one that you are drawn to the most. However, if you are looking to find the difference in physical appearance as well as metaphysical properties, you’ll find your answer here.
Continue reading if you want to know more about the (physical) qualities of these stones, as well as how you can use them in your spiritual practice.
Also read: Jade vs. Emerald: This Is The Difference
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Emeralds vs Sapphire – How To Tell The Difference?
In order to understand the difference between these two stones, we can look at the color, shape, pattern, clarity, and more. Below we’ll describe all these aspects in detail.
Chemical Composition
Emeralds are a variety of beryl classified as silicate minerals. It contains beryllium, silicon oxide, and aluminum. The gemstone may also contain vanadium or chromium traces amounts, giving them their green color. Sapphires, on the other hand, are a variety of corundum. Its chemical composition contains aluminum oxide and trace elements of titanium, iron, magnesium, vanadium, or chromium.
Color
Emeralds are primarily green gemstones. The hues can vary from blue-green to yellow-green. Beryl is considered an emerald when it is medium to dark green. The lighter-colored varieties are referred to as green beryl.
The most popular sapphires are blue, but come in various colors. The color intensity and uniformity are huge determinants in the value of sapphires. They come in different colors besides red. The range includes hues like violet, green, orange, yellow, and purple, otherwise known as fancy sapphires.
Also read: Emerald vs Ruby: This Is the Difference
Pattern and Clarity
Emeralds have an imperfect cleavage, white streak, and break at a conchoidal fracture. They have a vitreous luster, a mossy appearance, and a transparent to opaque in clarity. It’s quite natural to find numerous fractures and inclusions in an emerald. These imperfections may affect the gemstone’s clarity; hence the treatments and fracture fillings are done.
Sapphires have a poor cleavage, colorless streak, and a conchoidal fracture. The gemstone has a vitreous luster and a transparent to nearly opaque clarity, depending on the visible inclusions. Good quality sapphires have minimal inclusions, which contribute to their beautiful transparency.
Hardness
Emeralds are slightly lower in hardness compared to sapphires. An emerald’s hardness rates 7.5 -8, while sapphires rate nine on the Mohs scale.
Care
Emeralds can be cleaned using water, given their impressive hardness. Warm water, mild soap, and a soft cloth will work well in cleaning these stones. Since most emeralds contain surface-reaching fractures, cleaning methods will cause damage to the emerald. Moon bathing the emerald will recharge and restore its natural vibration. Being an earth stone, the stone can also recharge by burying it in the soil overnight.
Sapphires are also manually cleaned effectively using water and mild soap. They are also safely cleaned using steam and ultrasonic cleaners. Sapphires can be cleansed and recharged using natural light from the sun and the moon.
Also read: Emeralds vs Diamond: This is the Difference
Location
Emeralds are mainly found in Zambia, Colombia, and Brazil. However, the best emeralds are believed to come from Colombia. The finest sapphires come from Kashmir in India. Other significant mines are found in China, Cameroon, and Afghanistan.
Uses
Meditation
Both stones can be used in meditation practices. Emeralds bring healing to mind, body, and soul, as well as mental clarity. The stone clears all energy blockages and eliminates doubt and fears, enabling one to receive and interpret messages from the spiritual realms. Sapphires will strengthen intuition and spiritual and mental clarity. The stone also protects energy fields from negative energies. Emeralds and sapphires can be used to attract abundance and prosperity.
Jewelry
Emerald and sapphires can be made into jewelry pieces. Wearing emerald jewelry improves the wearer’s reasoning and intellectual capacity. It also adorns them with the qualities of the planet Mercury.
Sapphire jewelry is recommended for people who seek to enhance their wisdom, financial stability, and spirituality. The stone will bring fame, happiness, good health, and prosperity to its wearer.
Also read: Lapis Lazuli vs Sapphire: This Is The Difference
Properties
Emeralds are believed to eliminate free radicals in the body while promoting better health. The stone is believed to be primarily associated with illnesses concerning the heart, kidneys, neurological and circulatory system. The gemstone is associated with mystical powers, blessings, and protection from the gods. The gemstone is symbolic of resurrection and new life in the Christian tradition. It is also symbolic of qualities like love and kindness.
Sapphire is believed to treat headaches, migraines, and eye and ear ailments. It is also used to treat vertigo and fever. Green sapphires are symbolic of tranquility, integrity, loyalty, and trust. Wearing green sapphires encourages care, love, and thoughtfulness. Green sapphires are also associated with wisdom and healing energies for the mind, soul, and body. It’s also an effective remedy for insomnia.
Also read: Peach Sapphire vs Morganite: This is the Difference
Chakra Association
Emeralds and green sapphires are associated with the heart chakra (Anahata). The chakra is located at the center of the chest. It is the bridge between the lower and upper chakras. It governs love and relationships and serves as a connection between the spiritual and physical realm.
The chakra influences affection, compassion, and how we interact with others. The stones stimulate the heart chakra to bring fidelity, happiness, well-being, and nurturing relationships.
The chakra is also associated with the lungs, thymus glands, shoulders, heart, and circulatory system. It is also associated with the sense of touch and hence associated with the health of the hands or skins. Problems may arise when the chakra is physically and emotionally out of balance. Balance in this chakra contributes to general body health.
Zodiac Association
Emeralds are a traditional birthstone for May and the 55th and 20th wedding anniversaries. The gemstone is closely related to the Taurus zodiac sign. The stone radiates creativity and stability and limits the stubborn nature of the Taurus. The zodiac is also governed by Venus, the planet associated with pleasure, love, and beauty. The energies of an emerald are also connected to love, luck, and the heart chakra. The gemstone can help the zodiac sign to bring out their passion and connect to the earth’s energies and sensuality.
Sapphires are modern birthstones for September and the gemstone for the 45th anniversary. The gemstone resonates with the Virgo zodiac sign and symbolizes truth, wisdom, and faithfulness. For this sign, the stone enhances knowledge and protection from evil.
Element Association
Emeralds are associated with the earth element. This element represents grounding, foundations, fertility, security, and the physical body. The element controls our physical senses, feelings, and emotions. The element earth personality attributes include loyalty, hard work, strategy, and reliability. Gemstones and crystals connected to this element can be used to manifest success and restore balance when your energies feel improper.
Sapphires are associated with the water element. This is the element associated with inspiration, intuition, and emotion. This element is also closely related to the moon. It is the most powerful element of nature with a lot of significance, especially in religion. It’s the element associated with purity and reconciliation in the Christian tradition. Water personality people are articulate, reflective, and self-sufficient. Fear is also an emotion related to the water elements. Water crystals can be used to restore emotional balance and eliminate fear.
Ruling Planets
Mercury rules emeralds. It’s the planet associated with communication, intellect, and transportation. It is also associated with our brain, nervous system, and sense organs. The planet in Greek mythology is named after the messenger of all gods. Mercury is also believed to influence fertility, good fortune, and wealth. People under the rulership of this planet are good communicators, analytical, and clever. Crystals and gemstones that are associated with the planet can be used to improve communication and analytical skills.
Sapphires are associated with Venus. The planet represents love, beauty, and pleasure. It governs how we express ourselves, desires, passion, and interact with others. It infuses romantic and sensual energies in those associated with it. A strong Venus positioning on your birth chart indicates happiness and harmony with others.
Also read: Tanzanite vs Sapphire: This is the Difference
Numerical Vibration
Emeralds vibrate at the frequencies of 4. The number in numerology represents stability, strength, and rootedness. In astrology, the number’s masculine energies are used to represent hard work. People that resonate with the number are orderly, responsible, and conservative as they prefer sticking to a routine. They are also extremely loyal and trustworthy. Crystals of this frequency will help restore balance and ground your energies.
The numerical vibration of sapphires is 6. This number represents harmony, stability, and domestic happiness. It is a nurturing and family-oriented number that radiates protection, compassion, and unconditional love. People who resonate with the number are drawn to careers that serve others. Crystals of this number bestow the powers and attributes of Venus to the wearer.
Best Combination
Lapis lazuli is paired with emeralds to improve communication. The combination helps in experiencing love and nurturing relationships.
Emeralds can also be paired with malachite for the heart chakra. This pair opens and activates the chakra for more compassion and love in the committed relationship.
Green sapphires can be paired with amethyst, sodalite, or pink dolomite for relaxation and treating insomnia.
The gemstone is also believed to have potent healing energies when paired with malachite, azurite, or tourmaline. The pair is believed to treat major illnesses, including cancer.
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