Jewelry enthusiasts often discuss sapphire and lapis lazuli. Both gemstones have a captivating blue color and unique symbolism, but they differ significantly in value, use, and potency. In this blog, we discuss the differences between sapphires and lapis lazuli.
Is Lapis Lazuli More Expensive than Sapphire?
Sapphire, a member of the corundum family, ranges in color from light to dark blue, even with subtle purple tones. With a Mohs hardness of 9, sapphire is second only to diamond, making it ideal for fine jewelry. Due to its rarity, high hardness, and superior gemological qualities, it usually has a higher market value than lapis lazuli stone.
In contrast, lapis lazuli, although it also has a deep blue color, tends to have a lower market value than sapphire. Lapis lazuli, being a semi-precious stone, has a relatively low Mohs hardness of only 5-6. Because it is more susceptible to wear and scratches, it is often used as a fashion jewelry choice.
| Gemstone | Price per Carat | Key Factors Affecting Price |
|---|---|---|
| Lapis Lazuli | $50 to $100 or more | Vivid blue color, minimal veining, bright pyrite inclusions, source location |
| Blue Sapphire | $5,000 to $50,000 | Unheated, natural stone, size (over 5 carats), origin (Kashmir, Burma) |
| Kashmir/Burma Sapphire | $10,000 to $2,000,000 per carat or more | Larger carat size (5+), untreated, high rarity |
Value Comparison:
Sapphire:
- High rarity and hardness for fine jewelry making
- Rich in color, transparent and brilliant
- Market value is usually high
Lapis Lazuli:
- Semi-precious stone, relatively low hardness, prone to wear and tear
- Distinctive blue color with white and gold accents is aesthetically pleasing
- Market value is usually lower than sapphire
Can Lapis Lazuli replace Sapphire?
In terms of appearance, lapis lazuli and sapphire do share similarities, especially when they are both presented in a deep blue hue. However, the blue color of lapis lazuli is deeper and more mysterious, as if it could swallow all the light around it. Sapphires, on the other hand, have a clearer, more transparent blue color, like a gemstone from the deep sea. Both blues, while distinctive in their own way, give a sense of serenity and peace.
However, the differences between lapis lazuli and sapphire become apparent when we look beyond the exterior to the interior. In civilizations such as Ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome, Lapis Lazuli was regarded as a sacred stone, representing wisdom, truth and inner peace. Its deep blue color was often associated with the sky and symbols of the gods, so it was used as an amulet to invoke divine protection and wisdom.
In contrast, the sapphire, while also carrying a wealth of symbolism, has connotations more associated with loyalty, truth and reason. The clarity of the sapphire symbolizes the purity of the heart and the strength of conviction. It is seen as a gemstone that brings peace of mind and wisdom, helping to promote clear thinking and decision-making. As a result, the sapphire has become a popular choice in the minds of people in those moments when calm thinking and rational judgment are required.
| Gemstone | Metaphysical Benefits |
|---|---|
| Blue Sapphire | Increases metabolism |
| Provides relief from headaches | |
| Increases dedication and communication skills | |
| Brings mental clarity | |
| Attracts good luck and fortune | |
| Lapis Lazuli | Purifies the blood and strengthens the immune system |
| Enhances self-awareness | |
| Soothes inflammation | |
| Boosts knowledge | |
| Gives inner calmness |
Appearance versus substance:
Appearance:
- Lapis lazuli: deep, mysterious blue with white and gold accents
- Sapphire: clear, transparent blue, rich in color and sparkle
Connotation:
- Lapis lazuli: a symbol of wisdom, truth and a link to history and culture.
- Sapphire: symbolizes loyalty, truth and reason, promotes clear thinking.
More Sapphire or Lapis Lazuli Comparisons
Origins of Blue Sapphire and Lapis Lazuli:
| Gemstone | Main Mining Regions | Top Quality Sources |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Sapphire | India, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Myanmar (Burma), Nigeria, Tanzania, Cambodia, Vietnam, US | Kashmir (India), Burma, Sri Lanka |
| Lapis Lazuli | Chile, Myanmar, Afghanistan, Siberia, US | Afghanistan |
Color characteristics of Blue Sapphire and Lapis Lazuli:
| Gemstone | Color Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Blue Sapphire | Ranges from light blue to dark inky blue, with popular shades like deep cornflower blue to vivid blue. |
| Has a vitreous luster, crystalline clarity, and is transparent with a shiny appearance. | |
| Lapis Lazuli | Deep blue, opaque stone with no transparency. |
| Contains white (calcite) and gold (pyrite) tones. May have slight greenish or violet tints depending on lazurite. |
Gemstone treatments for Blue Sapphire and Lapis Lazuli:
| Gemstone | Common Treatments | Purpose and Process |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Sapphire | Heat Treatment | Enhances color and clarity. Sapphires are heated to 800°C-1800°C to intensify blue hues and reduce inclusions. |
| Diffusion Treatment | Adds elements like beryllium or titanium at high temperatures to alter color. Diffusion-treated sapphires are usually of lower value. | |
| Fracture Filling | Surface fractures are filled with substances like glass to improve appearance. Less stable and should be disclosed to buyers. | |
| Lapis Lazuli | Polishing | Enhances the natural luster and vibrant blue color through surface smoothing. |
| Dyeing | Occasionally, lower-quality stones are dyed to achieve a more uniform or intense blue color. Disclosure is important to buyers. |
Astrological and healing benefits of Blue Sapphire and Lapis Lazuli:
| Gemstone | Astrological Significance | Healing Properties | Spiritual Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Sapphire | Associated with planet Saturn (Shani). Brings wealth, good fortune, mental clarity, and spiritual insight. | Helps with insomnia, depression, and anxiety. Promotes physical and mental health. | Used in meditation to calm the mind, increase focus, and stimulate spiritual growth. |
| Lapis Lazuli | Linked to planet Jupiter. Brings wisdom, truth, and enlightenment. | Alleviates stress, enhances creativity, promotes self-awareness, and treats migraines and insomnia. | Aids in spiritual enlightenment, self-discovery, and enhancing psychic abilities. |
Conclusion:
When you choose sapphire or lapis lazuli, there is no absolute answer as to which is better. The choice depends on your personal needs and preferences. Generally speaking, the sapphire is more suitable for jewelry enthusiasts seeking rarity, while the less expensive lapis lazuli is also a fashionable gemstone jewelry option. As a professional gemstone jewelry manufacturer, we offer a variety of artificial sapphire jewelry and lapis lazuli jewelry, so feel free to contact us if you need it.
Blue sapphires or lapis lazuli FAQs
What are the birthstones for September?
The birthstones for September are sapphire and lapis lazuli.
What is the significance of blue sapphires in ancient times?
Blue sapphires have been symbols of royalty and heaven since ancient times. King Solomon and Abraham are believed to have worn amulets of sapphire, and Moses is said to have received the Ten Commandments on tablets of carved sapphire. The Greeks wore it when seeking answers at the oracle at Delphi.
What chakras do blue sapphires correspond to?
Blue sapphires correspond to the Brow and Throat chakras, which are centers of wisdom and communication.
What is the most desirable shade of blue for sapphires?
The most desirable shade of blue for sapphires is a cornflower blue, where there is saturated color but not so deep that it appears black.
Can sapphires come in other colors besides blue?
Yes, sapphires come in many colors, from clear to black and everything in between. The red ones are called rubies, but all of them are corundum, which registers as 9 on the Mohs scale.
What is lapis lazuli used for in ancient times?
Lapis lazuli was used for ornamental purposes in ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. It was also ground up to be used as eye shadow and pigment for paint.
What chakras does lapis lazuli correspond to?
Lapis lazuli corresponds to the same chakras as blue sapphire, with the same attributes. It is also an excellent stone for meditation as it is very calming and soothing.
Where does the best lapis lazuli come from?
The best lapis lazuli in the world comes from Afghanistan.
How hard is lapis lazuli on the Mohs scale?
Lapis lazuli is considerably softer than sapphire, ranging from 5-6 on the Mohs scale.
What metals are recommended to set sapphires and lapis lazuli in?
Silver is a popular choice for setting these stones, but many people also prefer yellow gold for a rich and luxurious look. Just remember that lapis lazuli is softer than sapphire, so you need to be careful with it.