Sapphire Description

Sapphire is a precious gemstone from the corundum mineral family, composed of aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃). While it is best known for its deep blue color, sapphire actually occurs in a wide range of colors, except red (which is classified as ruby).

Key Characteristics of Sapphire

• Color: Most commonly blue, but also found in pink, yellow, green, purple, orange, white, and color-changing varieties. The rarest is padparadscha sapphire (a pink-orange shade).

• Hardness: 9 on the Mohs scale (extremely durable, second only to diamond).

• Luster: Vitreous (glassy) with excellent brilliance.

• Clarity: High-quality sapphires are often eye-clean, though some may contain natural inclusions, such as silk-like rutile needles (which can create a star effect).

• Refractive Index: 1.76 – 1.78, giving it exceptional sparkle.

• Formation: Found in igneous, metamorphic, and alluvial deposits.

• Sources: Myanmar (Burma), Sri Lanka, Kashmir (India), Madagascar, Thailand, Australia, and Montana (USA).

Special Types of Sapphire

• Padparadscha Sapphire: A rare pinkish-orange variety.

• Star Sapphire: Displays a six-rayed star effect (asterism) due to aligned rutile inclusions.

• Color-Change Sapphire: Shifts between blue and purple under different lighting.

Treatments & Enhancements

• Heat Treatment: Commonly used to enhance color and clarity (widely accepted in the gem trade).

• Unheated Sapphires: Extremely rare and valuable.

• Beryllium Treatment: Used for creating vibrant orange and yellow hues.

Uses & Value

• A favorite for fine jewelry, especially in rings, necklaces, and royal crowns.

• September birthstone and a traditional engagement ring choice (e.g., Princess Dianaâ€TMs sapphire ring).

• Symbolizes wisdom, loyalty, and protection.

Would you like a comparison with another gemstone, such as tanzanite or spinel?