Sapphire

About Sapphires and Their Origin

Sapphires are a type of precious gemstone that belong to the mineral species corundum. They are prized for their brilliant blue color and are often used in jewelry and other decorative objects. The name "sapphire" comes from the Greek word "sappheiros," which means "blue stone."

Sapphires are found in a variety of locations around the world, including Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Australia, and Thailand. The best-known sapphires are those that have a rich, velvety blue color, but sapphires can also be found in other colors, including pink, yellow, green, and orange. The blue color of sapphires is caused by trace amounts of iron and titanium in the crystal structure.

Color-changing sapphires

Color-changing sapphires, also known as "chameleon" sapphires, are a unique type of sapphire that exhibit a change in color depending on the light source. These gems are rare and highly sought after due to their color-shifting ability.

Under natural light, color-changing sapphires typically appear blue, but when exposed to artificial light, they can appear a purplish-red or pinkish color. The cause of this color change is due to the presence of titanium and iron impurities within the sapphire crystal.

Color-changing sapphires are found in a number of different countries, including Madagascar, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. The quality and color change of these sapphires can vary greatly, and it is important to purchase from a reputable dealer to ensure the authenticity and quality of the gemstone.

These rare and unique sapphires are often used in high-end jewelry, such as rings, necklaces, and earrings, and can command high prices due to their beauty and rarity.

Famous Pieces

Over the years, sapphires have been incorporated into some of the most famous pieces of jewelry in the world. For example, Princess Diana's engagement ring, which was later passed down to Kate Middleton, features a 12-carat blue sapphire surrounded by diamonds. The ring was created by the famous jewelry house, Garrard & Co.

The Star of India: This enormous sapphire is the largest star sapphire in the world, weighing in at 563.35 carats. It was discovered in Sri Lanka and has been a part of the American Museum of Natural History's gem collection since the late 19th century. The Star of India is prized for its incredible star effect, which is caused by the presence of needle-like inclusions in the crystal structure.
The St. Edward's Sapphire: This sapphire is set in the British Crown Jewels and is believed to have been owned by several English monarchs, including Edward the Confessor. The sapphire is prized for its rich blue color and historical significance.
The Padparadscha Sapphire: This rare and highly prized sapphire is known for its delicate pinkish-orange color. It is named after the Sanskrit word for "lotus flower" and is considered one of the most valuable and sought-after varieties of sapphire.

Padparadscha Sapphire

The Padparadscha Sapphire is a rare and highly prized variety of sapphire that is characterized by its unique, peach-pink to orange-pink color. This color is created by the presence of iron and chromium in the mineral, which gives it its unique hue. Padparadscha sapphires are considered to be one of the rarest types of sapphires and are highly sought after by gem collectors and enthusiasts.

These sapphires are found in several countries around the world, including Sri Lanka, Madagascar, and Tanzania. However, only a small percentage of the sapphires from these regions are considered to be true padparadscha sapphires. The name "padparadscha" is derived from the Sanskrit word for "lotus flower," which is believed to be the inspiration for the stone's color.

Due to their rarity, padparadscha sapphires are typically more expensive than other types of sapphires. The price of a padparadscha sapphire can range from several thousand dollars to hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on the size, color, and quality of the stone.

Price

The price of sapphires can vary greatly depending on factors such as size, color, clarity, and rarity. High-quality blue sapphires can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars per carat, while rare and exceptional specimens can fetch millions of dollars at auction. The price of pink and orange sapphires can be even higher, due to their rarity and popularity.

Synthesis and Imitation

Synthetic sapphires are artificially created in a laboratory and are designed to mimic the appearance of natural sapphires. They are often used in jewelry and other decorative objects as a less expensive alternative to natural sapphires. Synthetic sapphires are usually created using a process called flame fusion, where a mixture of aluminum oxide and titanium is melted and then slowly cooled to form a crystal.

Imitation sapphires, on the other hand, are not made from corundum, but rather from glass or other materials that are designed to look like sapphires. These materials are often much less expensive than natural or synthetic sapphires and are often used in costume jewelry or other low-end decorative objects.

Treatment

Sapphires, like many other gemstones, can undergo various treatments to enhance their color, clarity, and overall appearance. Some of the most common treatment methods used in sapphires are:

Heat Treatment:

Heat treatment is the most common method used to improve the color and clarity of sapphires. During this process, the sapphire is heated to high temperatures, which can remove inclusions, reduce surface cracks, and improve the color. Heat treatment can also darken or lighten the color of the sapphire, depending on the desired outcome.

Irradiation:

Irradiation is a treatment method that uses ionizing radiation to improve the color of the sapphire. During this process, the sapphire is exposed to high levels of radiation, which can cause the color of the stone to change. Irradiation is often used to enhance the blue color of sapphires and to create other fancy colors, such as green or yellow.

Dyeing:

Dyeing is a treatment method that involves adding color to the sapphire using dyes or other coloring agents. This process can improve the color of the sapphire or create a specific color that is not naturally occurring in the stone.

Fracture Filling:

Fracture filling is a treatment method that involves filling surface cracks in the sapphire with a glass-like substance. This process can improve the clarity and overall appearance of the sapphire and make it appear more flawless.

It's important to note that not all treatments are disclosed or permanent, and some treatments can affect the value of the sapphire. If you're purchasing a sapphire, it's important to ask the seller about any treatments that have been performed on the stone and to consider the impact of these treatments on the value of the sapphire.

Inclusions

Sapphires, like all gemstones, can contain inclusions, which are small mineral crystals or other substances that are trapped inside the stone. These inclusions can affect the overall appearance and value of the stone. Understanding the different types of sapphire inclusions can help you make an informed decision when purchasing a sapphire.

Crystal Inclusions:

Crystal inclusions are small mineral crystals that are trapped inside the sapphire. These inclusions can be made up of minerals such as rutile, hematite, or zircon. Depending on the size and location of the inclusions, they can affect the clarity and overall appearance of the sapphire.

Needle Inclusions:

Needle inclusions are elongated inclusions that are often seen in sapphires. These inclusions are typically made up of rutile, which is a mineral that is rich in titanium. The presence of needle inclusions can affect the overall clarity and appearance of the sapphire, and can also cause the stone to appear cloudy.

Feather Inclusions:

Feather inclusions are cracks that are often seen in sapphires. These inclusions can be created by a variety of factors, including thermal shock, mechanical stress, or chemical exposure. The presence of feather inclusions can affect the overall clarity and appearance of the sapphire, and can also make the stone more fragile and susceptible to breakage.

Gas Inclusions:

Gas inclusions are bubbles that are trapped inside the sapphire. These inclusions can be created by a variety of factors, including changes in pressure and temperature during the formation of the sapphire. The presence of gas inclusions can affect the overall clarity and appearance of the sapphire, and can also make the stone appear cloudy.

Liquid Inclusions:

Liquid inclusions are droplets of liquid that are trapped inside the sapphire. These inclusions can be created by a variety of factors, including changes in pressure and temperature during the formation of the sapphire. The presence of liquid inclusions can affect the overall clarity and appearance of the sapphire, and can also make the stone appear cloudy.

A few facts

Sapphire is a variety of the mineral corundum, which is one of the hardest materials after diamond.
Sapphire comes in a range of colors, including blue, pink, yellow, green, and white. Blue sapphire is the most well-known and highly sought-after.
Sapphire is the birthstone for September and is often used in engagement rings.
Sapphire has a long history of use in jewelry and has been highly prized for centuries. It was once believed to bring wisdom, truth, and loyalty to its wearer.
The largest sapphire ever recorded weighed 1404.49 carats and was found in Sri Lanka.
Sapphire is often associated with royalty and luxury. In the past, sapphires were only accessible to royalty and the very wealthy.
Sapphire is often used in high-end jewelry, watches, and other luxury items because of its durability, rarity, and beauty.
Sapphire is a popular choice for engagement rings because of its hardness, making it a durable option for daily wear.
Sapphire is found in many countries around the world, including Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Thailand, and Australia.
Sapphires can be treated to enhance their color, clarity, and overall appearance. It's important to ask the seller about any treatments that have been performed on the stone if you're purchasing a sapphire.
Sapphire is also used in a variety of industrial applications, such as in the production of high-end electronic components and in the manufacture of scientific instruments.

MUSEUMS

American Museum of Natural History in New York City has a collection of rare and valuable sapphires, including a large blue sapphire from Sri Lanka and a yellow sapphire from Madagascar.
The British Museum in London has a collection of ancient and medieval jewelry that includes several impressive sapphires.
The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington D.C. has a collection of gems and minerals that includes several magnificent sapphires from around the world.
The Natural History Museum in Paris has a collection of mineral specimens and gemstones, including several rare and valuable sapphires.
The National Museum of Australia in Canberra has a collection of jewelry and gemstones, including a collection of sapphires from the mines of New South Wales and Tasmania.
The Natural History Museum in Vienna has a collection of minerals and gemstones, including several stunning sapphires from around the world.
The National Museum of Natural Science in Taipei has a collection of gems and minerals that includes several beautiful sapphires from Sri Lanka, Thailand, and other countries.
The National Museum of Natural History in Copenhagen has a collection of minerals and gems, including several valuable and rare sapphires.
The National Museum of Natural Science in Madrid has a collection of gems and minerals, including several breathtaking sapphires from Spain and other countries.