What is Sapphire?
Sapphire is a variety of the mineral corundum, composed of aluminum oxide. It is one of the hardest gemstones, ranking 9 on the Mohs scale, second only to diamond. While sapphire is most famous for its deep blue color, it actually comes in a spectrum of hues, except red, red corundum is classified as ruby. The name "sapphire" comes from the Greek word sappheiros, meaning "blue stone."
Uses
Sapphire is a versatile gemstone with a wide range of applications:
Jewelry: Sapphire is a popular choice for engagement rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. Its durability makes it ideal for everyday wear.
Industrial Uses: Due to its hardness, sapphire is used in watch crystals, optical windows, and electronic substrates.
Healing and Spirituality: Many believe sapphire has metaphysical properties, such as promoting mental clarity, inner peace, and spiritual enlightenment.
Historical Significance: Sapphire has adorned the crowns and jewelry of royalty for centuries, symbolizing wisdom and divine favor.
Origin
Sapphire is found in various parts of the world, with some of the most notable sources including:
Sri Lanka: Known for producing high-quality blue sapphires and a variety of fancy colors.
Kashmir: Famous for its velvety blue sapphires, considered the finest in the world.
Myanmar (Burma): A source of rich blue sapphires with excellent clarity.
Thailand: Known for its heat-treated blue and fancy-colored sapphires.
Madagascar: A significant source of both blue and fancy-colored sapphires.
Australia: Produces darker blue and green sapphires.
Sapphire forms in metamorphic and igneous rocks and is often mined from alluvial deposits.
Sapphire Colors and Their Prices
Sapphire comes in a stunning array of colors, each with its own price range:
Blue Sapphire: The most classic and sought-after, ranging from $500 to $5000 per carat, depending on hue, clarity, and origin. Kashmir blue sapphires can fetch over $10,000 per carat.
Pink Sapphire: A romantic and increasingly popular choice, priced between $300 and $3000 per carat.
Yellow Sapphire: Known for its sunny hue, ranging from $200 to $1500 per carat.
Padparadscha Sapphire: A rare orange-pink variety, highly prized at $1500 to $10,000 per carat.
Green Sapphire: A unique and elegant choice, typically priced between $200 to $1000 per carat.
Colorless Sapphire: A diamond alternative, ranging from $100 to $500 per carat.
The price of sapphire depends on factors like color, clarity, size, and origin.
The Properties of Sapphire
Sapphire is more than just a beautiful gemstone it has unique physical properties:
Physical Properties:
- Hardness: 9 on the Mohs scale.
- Luster: Vitreous (glass-like).
- Transparency: Transparent to opaque.
Sapphire Treatments
Sapphire is often treated to enhance its color and clarity. Common treatments include:
Heat Treatment: The most common treatment, used to improve color and clarity. Heat-treated sapphires are widely accepted in the market.
Diffusion Treatment: Introduces elements like titanium or beryllium to alter or enhance color. This treatment is less stable and requires disclosure.
Oiling: Minor surface fractures may be filled with oil to improve clarity, though this is rare for sapphires.
Irradiation: Used to create or enhance certain colors, such as yellow or orange.
When purchasing sapphire, always ask for a gemstone certification to ensure transparency about any treatments.
