Diamond vs Sapphire
Diamond is harder (Mohs 10) than Sapphire (Mohs 9), so it resists scratching better.
Diamond has the higher refractive index (2.417 vs 1.762–1.770), which a refractometer (over-the-limit reading) can use to separate them.
Sapphire is denser (SG 4 vs 3.52); a sapphire of the same size weighs about 14% more.
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| Property | Diamond | Sapphire |
|---|---|---|
| Species / material | Diamond (carbon) | Corundum |
| Mohs hardness | 10 | 9 |
| Refractive index | 2.417 | 1.762–1.770 |
| Specific gravity | 3.52 | 4 |
| Crystal system | Cubic | Trigonal |
| Birefringence | None (isotropic) | 0.008–0.010 |
Values are typical ranges from standard gemmological references; individual stones can vary.
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