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Some gemstones come out beneath the earth’s surface and feature similar colors. Among similar-looking gemstones include pink sapphire and ruby, emerald and green sapphire, blue sapphire and lapis lazuli, and many more. These gems look similar in hue, but they differ in many characteristics. One should be aware of these differences, thus avoiding any mistakes when buying gemstones. In this blog, we will compare two stones, purple sapphire and amethyst.
The place from which these stones originated reflects a lot about their characteristics. Moreover, there are differences in trace elements which are responsible for giving the same color in one and not the other.
Purple Sapphire: This gemstone comes from the mineral corundum family and has a chemical composition of aluminum oxide. It is referred as Baingani Neelam or Baingani Pukhraj in Hindi. These gems are formed deep inside the earth in metamorphic and igneous rocks. The color of these stones is due to the presence of vanadium. It is found in India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Thailand.
Amethyst: It comes from the quartz mineral family and is composed of silicon dioxide. It is also called as Katela Stone in Hindi. The unique formation of the stone takes place when gas bubbles get trapped inside the lava, forming crystals. The presence of iron in the quartz gives it a purple color. High-quality Katela is found in Brazil, Uruguay, and Sri Lanka.
When comparing sapphire vs amethyst, color is the crucial factor. Though they look similar, key differences need to be noted.
Baingani Neelam: The color ranges from soft lilac tones to plum and deep violet shades. High-saturated sapphires are the most sought-after gems. The tone can vary from light to intensely rich. Medium-tone sapphires are the best and highly desirable.
Katela Ratna: The color ranges from pinkish to reddish purple and royal violets. High-saturated stones with medium tones are desirable. However, they are also available in lighter and pale shades.
Hardness describes the resistance of the stone to scratches. It is calculated on the Mohs scale of hardness with stone ranking on the scale ranging from 0 to 10.
Baingani Pukhraj: It ranks nine on the Mohs scale of hardness. Thus, it is perfect for daily wear jewelry.
Amethyst: This gemstone ranks seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. Compared to purple sapphire vs amethyst, although both make a suitable fit for jewelry, the latter is more susceptible to scratches and damage.
Each gemstone entails a specific meaning for which it is valued and adorned in different cultures.
Baingani Neelam: Vedic astrology reflects peace of mind, protection from negativity, and a deeper connection to the higher self. The September birthstone is as common as engagement and wedding rings. This is because it signifies love and commitment.
Katela Ratna: It symbolizes clarity of mind and protection from any harm. Ancient Egyptians used to wear amethyst amulets to protect them from evil energies. This natural gemstone is also the February birthstone.
When talking about sapphire vs amethyst, astrological significance can't be ignored. Each gem possesses a certain energy and is ruled by a specific planet. The energy resonates around the wearer and benefits in many ways.
Baingani Pukhraj: According to Indian astrology, this lavender stone is associated with the planet Saturn. It is a powerful stone that protects the wearer from misfortunes, loss of wealth, and failures. It is suggested that this gemstone be worn during Shani sade sati to balance the losses during this phase. It is a healing stone that promotes physical, emotional, and spiritual balance. Placing this violet stone in your working space can alleviate stress, depression, and negative vibes. This natural gemstone improves circulation and supports the immune system.
Katela Ratna: Also called Jamunia Ratna, it is associated with the planet Saturn or Shani. These are lucky stones for Capricorn and Aquarius. Placing an amethyst crystal in your office brings spiritual enlightenment. Individuals in hectic professions can wear this stone as jewelry to reduce mental stress and fatigue. Keeping the crystal in your bedroom helps you get rid of insomnia. It calms the nervous system and boosts blood circulation.
Both these stones are valuable and used as centerpieces of modern engagement rings. They are exclusively worn for these special occasions. The price of these gemstones depends on the 4C’s (color, clarity, carat weight, and cut).
Purple Sapphire Price: This September, the birthstone price varies from INR 5000 and can extend to INR 5 lakh per carat weight or more. The color ranges from light to dark shades. Eye-clean violet gems with perfect medium color and high saturation command higher prices.
Natural Amethyst Price: It costs from INR 3,000 to INR 15,000 per carat weight. The color ranges from light lavender to deep purple. The hue of these gems is a little lighter compared to sapphires. The same 4C’s are considered for Jamunia Ratna.
In conclusion, whatever your choice is both these Ratnas stand the test of time. They make a beautiful accessory and are popular astrological gems. You can buy them at Navratan, the best gemstone store in India. When purchasing from an authentic store, you are assured of its credibility.
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