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Sapphire Color Types and Formation
Similar to rubies, sapphires are derived from the mineral corundum. The presence of different minerals during formation imbues corundum with various colors. When this mineral doesn’t turn red, it is categorized as sapphire.
Consequently, sapphires come in a spectrum of colors including pink, yellow, and primarily blue. A yellow hue emerges with iron, while vanadium results in purple sapphires. Let’s first delve into the most celebrated type: blue sapphires.
How Does a Blue Sapphire Get Its Color?
The blue hue in sapphires originates from the presence of titanium. Corundum exists in igneous rocks, developing large crystal structures as these rocks cool gradually. Sapphires are usually found in recrystallized limestone and metamorphic rocks that are low in silica and high in aluminum.
Fancy Sapphire Colors: Pink, Yellow, and Green
When you envision a sapphire, the deep blue shade probably comes to mind first. This connection is strong enough that the term “sapphire blue” exists. However, not all sapphires are blue.
These gemstones, while stunning in any fine jewelry, have also become popular in engagement rings. So, which color should you choose?
Pink Sapphires
Currently, pink sapphires are incredibly trendy. Retailers are offering pink sapphire rose gold engagement rings in abundance. Whether it’s a soft baby pink or a more vibrant raspberry, pink sapphire and diamond rings are a stylish choice for modern brides.
What is Pink Sapphire Made Up Of?
Pink sapphires, like all sapphires, are derived from corundum and achieve their color through the inclusion of iron, titanium, magnesium, copper, and chromium. This combination results in a broad range of pink shades, offering diverse options for engagement rings. Symbolizing love, sincerity, and loyalty, pink sapphires make a meaningful choice for engagement rings.
The History Behind Pink Sapphires
Although popular, pink sapphires are relatively rare. Initially, they were exclusively mined in Sri Lanka, alongside blue sapphires. Discoveries in Madagascar in the 1990s made these gems more accessible. However, exceptions like pink star sapphires and padparadscha sapphires remain rare and expensive, with the latter being the priciest and often linked to celebrity-style jewelry.
Yellow Sapphires
Though pink sapphires are trending, yellow sapphires also hold their unique appeal. These gemstones exhibit shades from pure pastel yellow to deeper lemon and goldenrod hues. They often serve as a more affordable alternative to the highly-priced yellow diamonds.
What is Yellow Sapphire Made Up Of?
Yellow sapphires owe their vibrant color to the trace element iron. Found in Madagascar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Australia, and North America, these gemstones offer an affordable splash of color. In ancient Vedic texts, yellow sapphires symbolize Jupiter, representing money and good judgment. Naturally or synthetically made, yellow sapphires suit those with sunny personalities.
Thinking of something unique for your fiancée? A sapphire engagement ring, especially paired with white diamonds, is a spectacular and budget-friendly choice.
Green Sapphires
Green sapphires might not be top-of-mind when selecting an engagement ring, yet these stones offer a tranquil alternative to the famed emeralds. Green sapphires make for mesmerizing gifts in the form of earrings and necklaces, often eliciting admiration and curiosity.
What is Green Sapphire Made Up Of?
Chemically akin to yellow sapphires, green sapphires owe their unique coloration to iron’s interaction with corundum. In addition to common mining locations, Montana, USA, is an important source, producing both green and blue sapphires.
If your partner works in a trust-worthy profession such as banking or law, a green sapphire engagement ring could be a fitting symbol. These gemstones are associated with loyalty and trust, making them a romantic and meaningful choice.
Additional Facts About Sapphires: Hardness, Origin, and Crystallization
Ranking at 9 on the Mohs scale, sapphires stand out as one of the hardest minerals, next only to moissanite and diamond. Their density and durability make them a prime choice for long-lasting jewelry.
Sapphire deposits are scattered worldwide, found in locations like Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Kashmir, and Montana. Sapphires from different places exhibit distinct chemical properties and microscopic inclusions.
The crystallization of a sapphire occurs in two phases: forming a nucleus, followed by continuous layer growth over time. Rutile inclusions, often visible as tiny crystalline structures within the gem, typically form during this process. Almost all natural sapphires feature some inclusions.
Distinguishing natural sapphires from synthetic ones often hinges on the presence of inclusions. Most natural sapphires undergo heat treatment to enhance their color, a permanent alteration. Natural gems without inclusions are rare and come with a premium price.
FAQs
What color is sapphire?
Sapphires are found in a spectrum of colors including pink, yellow, white, and green. Among these, blue and padparadscha sapphires (with their pink and orange hues) are the most cherished and valuable.
What color is a blue sapphire?
Blue sapphires come in shades ranging from light baby blue to a deep, royal blue. Sapphires with an intense, velvety, rich royal blue are rare and extremely valuable.
What is the rarest sapphire color?
The rarest and most valuable sapphires are those from Kashmir with a ‘cornflower blue’ hue and Padparadscha sapphires featuring a vivid pinkish-orange color.
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