Sapphire and spinel are gemstones with distinct differences. While both exhibit brilliant colors, sapphires belong to the corundum mineral family, known for their hardness and durability, ranking 9 on the Mohs scale. Sapphires commonly appear in blue hues but can be found in various colors, excluding red (classified as rubies). In contrast, spinel belongs to the spinel mineral group, featuring vibrant colors like red, pink, blue, and violet. Spinel is slightly softer than sapphire, with a Mohs rating of 8. Despite their visual similarities, their mineral compositions and hardness levels set them apart in the world of gemology.