Pink Sapphire vs Pink Topaz: What Are They, And What's The Difference?

Pink sapphire and pink topaz are stunning gemstones that come in a bold pink color.

These gorgeous gems are an incredibly popular choice for jewelry such as engagement rings.

Though these pink gems look very similar at first glance, they are distinct and have different properties.

Pink Sapphire vs Pink Topaz (Explained)

What is Pink Sapphire?

Sapphire is known to be a deep blue color, but the pink variety is just as stunning.

Sapphire naturally occurs in many colors, such as green, yellow, and white.

Padparadscha sapphires are the rarest kind, forming an orangey pink color.

What are the Properties of Pink Sapphire?

Mineral
Sapphires are part of the corundum mineral family.

Pink sapphire contains titanium, iron, magnesium, copper, and chromium.

Color
Pink sapphire gets its color from the chromium that enters the stone during formation.

The more chromium, the deeper the pink color.

The colors range from pale pink to bold magenta, with purple hues.

Hardness
Sapphire is the third hardest gemstone after diamonds and moissanites, scoring a 9 on the Mohs hardness scale.

This makes them an incredibly durable gem.

How Can You Identify Pink Sapphire?

Quality
A natural sapphire is likely to have imperfections and inconsistencies throughout.

If a sapphire looks perfect it is likely to be synthetically made.

Hardness
As sapphires are such a hard stone, they will not be able to be scratched with a knife.

Testing
The only way to know for certain if your pink sapphire is genuine is to get it tested by a professional.

Buying gemstones from reputable dealers is a good way to avoid imposters.

Cost
If a large piece of pink sapphire is being sold for a lower price than a stone of that size should cost, it’s very likely to be a fake.

Where Is Pink Sapphire Found?

Pink sapphire is a rare gemstone.

Until 1990 it was considered extremely rare, until deposits were discovered in Madagascar.

Most pink sapphire is now acquired from these Madagascan deposits.

Pink sapphire is also mined in Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and East Africa.

What are the Uses for Pink Sapphire?

Birthstone
Sapphire (although the blue kind) is the birthstone for those born in September, so is a great gift for people celebrating their birthday then.

Jewelry
The most common use for sapphire is for jewelry such as rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets.

The stunning pink color and the hardness like a diamond have led to pink sapphire becoming an increasingly popular choice for engagement rings.

Metaphysical properties
It is believed that pink sapphire symbolizes love, loyalty, and trust.

Sapphire is called the ‘wisdom stone’, containing healing powers, letting go of tension, gaining peace of mind, good fortune, joy, and love.

What is Pink Topaz?

Topaz is usually a golden or yellow color.

Yet this gemstone comes in a variety of colors such as blue, green, and clear.

The bold color of pink topaz makes it a popular gemstone.

What are the Properties of Pink Topaz?

Mineral
Topaz is a nesosilicate mineral.

It is made up of aluminum and fluorine and contains chromium.

The crystals in topaz are prismatic in shape.

Color
Pink topaz gets it color from the chromium which enters the stone during formation.

With more chromium, the bolder the pink color.

Hardness
Topaz is the fourth hardest stone, after sapphire.

It has an 8 rating on the Mohs scale of hardness.

This makes it an incredibly durable gem.

However, despite its hardness, topaz is prone to chipping, and so you must take care of this gemstone.

How Can You Identify Pink Topaz?

Properties
Topaz has a smooth surface.

Due to the prismatic crystals, it should have two lines of refraction on the surface.

Hardness
Although topaz is extremely hard, it is prone to chips.

If you scratch the stone to see if it is real, the real gemstone will become damaged.

If it has scratches or flaws, it is likely to be real.

Testing
The only way to know for certain if your pink topaz is genuine is to get it tested by a professional.

Buying gemstones from reputable dealers is a good way to avoid fakes.

Cost
If a large piece of pink topaz is being sold for a lower price than a stone of that size should cost, it’s very likely to be an imposter.

Where Is Pink Topaz Found?

Topaz is a gemstone which is commonly found.

Yet the pink variety is one of the rarest, along with red.

Pink topaz is found in one deposit in a Brazilian town called Ouro Preto.

What are the Uses for Pink Topaz?

Birthstone
Topaz is the birthstone for November, so it is a popular gift for those born during this month.

Jewelry
Topaz is commonly used for making jewelry due to its hardness and shine.

The gorgeous color of pink topaz makes it a popular choice for jewelry such as rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets.

Metaphysical properties
Topaz is believed to be a healing stone, providing good health and energy to the body.

It is claimed to aid with communication, willpower, creativity, and the gaining of perspective. It is seen to bring love and fortune.

What are the Similarities Between Pink Sapphire and Pink Topaz?

The bright pink color of the gems.

The hardness and durability.

The shine of the gemstone.

The rarity and cost.

The uses for jewelry and healing.

What are the Differences Between Pink Sapphire and Pink Topaz?

The areas in which they are found.

They are from different mineral families.

Topaz is prone to chipping and scratching, whereas sapphire is not.

Why Do People Confuse Pink Sapphire and Pink Topaz?

Pink sapphire and pink topaz have a similar, bold pink color, which means that they can be easily mistaken at first glance.

They are both extremely hard and shiny like diamonds, and so are popular choices for jewelry.

Summary

Pink sapphire and pink topaz are both gorgeous, rare gemstones that are popular choices for jewelry such as engagement rings.

They both get their pink hue from the mineral chromium.

Yet they are distinct gemstones from different mineral families with different properties.