Sapphire vs Peridot
Sapphire is harder (Mohs 9) than Peridot (Mohs 6.5–7), so it resists scratching better; Peridot is softer than quartz dust (7) and needs more care in everyday rings.
Sapphire has the higher refractive index (1.762–1.770 vs 1.654–1.690), which a refractometer can use to separate them.
Sapphire is denser (SG 4 vs 3.34); a sapphire of the same size weighs about 20% more.
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| Property | Sapphire | Peridot |
|---|---|---|
| Species / material | Corundum | Olivine (forsterite) |
| Mohs hardness | 9 | 6.5–7 |
| Refractive index | 1.762–1.770 | 1.654–1.690 |
| Specific gravity | 4 | 3.34 |
| Crystal system | Trigonal | Orthorhombic |
| Birefringence | 0.008–0.010 | 0.035–0.038 |
Values are typical ranges from standard gemmological references; individual stones can vary.
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