Blue sapphire

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Fundamental Properties and Formation

Understanding Blue Sapphires

Natural blue sapphire is a precious gemstone, a variety of the mineral corundum, an aluminum oxide (α-Al2O3). It is typically blue, but natural fancy gemstones also occur in yellow, purple, orange, and green colors, parti sapphires show two or more colors. The only color which sapphire cannot be is red.

Chemical Composition

As a red color corundum is a ruby, another corundum variety. Pink colored corundum may be either classified as ruby or sapphire depending on locale. This variety in color is due to trace amounts of elements such as iron, titanium, chromium, copper, or magnesium.

Formation Process

The formation of natural blue sapphires occurs deep within the Earth’s crust, where high pressure and temperature conditions combine with specific mineral compositions to create these stunning gems. The process can take millions of years, resulting in crystals of varying sizes and quality. The presence of iron and titanium in particular creates the characteristic blue coloration that makes these gems so sought after.

Physical Characteristics and Applications

Gemstone Properties

Commonly, we cut and polish natural blue sapphires as gemstones and worn it in jewelry. They also can be synthetics for industrial or decorative purposes in large crystal boules. Because of the remarkable hardness of sapphires – 9 on the Mohs scale – these gems maintain their polish and luster exceptionally well over time.

Industrial Applications

The second hardest mineral, after diamond at 10, sapphire’s durability makes it ideal for everyday wear. We also use it in some non-ornamental applications, such as infrared optical components, high-durability windows, wristwatch crystals and movement bearings, and very thin electronic wafers. It serves as the insulating substrates of very special-purpose solid-state electronics.

Color Analysis and Grading

Color Characteristics

Gemstone colors are grading in terms of hue, saturation, and tone. Hue is the pure color of the gemstone. Saturation refers to the vividness or brightness of the hue, and tone is the lightness to darkness of the hue. Blue corundum exists in various mixtures of its primary blue and secondary hues, various tonal levels and at various levels of saturation.

Professional Grading

Professional gemologists grade sapphires upon their purity and their primary hue. The most common secondary hues found in blue sapphires is purple, also violet, and green. Violet and purple can contribute to the overall beauty of the color, while green is considered to be distinctly negative. Up to 15% violet or purple are generally said to be of fine quality.

Color Modifiers

Gray is the normal saturation modifier or mask found in blue sapphires. Gray reduces the saturation or brightness of the hue, and therefore has a distinctly negative effect. The presence of gray can significantly impact a stone’s value and desirability in the market.

Premium Quality Characteristics

The color of fine blue sapphire may be described as a vivid medium dark violet to purplish blue, where the primary blue hue is at least 85% and the secondary hue no more than 15%, without the least admixture of a green secondary hue or a gray mask.

Treatment Methods

Treatment and enhancement of blue sapphires has become common practice in the gem trade. Heat treatment, the most widely accepted enhancement method, can improve color and clarity. However, untreated natural blue sapphires command premium prices due to their rarity and natural beauty.

Color Varieties

Example of sapphire colored:

• cornflower blue
• light blue
• dark
• blue star
• royal blue
• blue green

Geographic Origins and Varieties

Notable Sources

Sapphire, from Preah Vihear, Cambodia

Cornflower Blue Sapphire

Cornflower blue sapphire is the highest valued and most desired color variety of the blue sapphire. While a lot of us may have already heard the word cornflower blue in the context of gem and jewelry, we may still be clueless as to the fine details and facts around this magnificent gemstone.

Distinctive Features

The term “cornflower blue” refers to the specific shade that mirrors the color of the cornflower plant’s blooms – a soft, medium-light blue with subtle violet undertones. This particular variety exhibits exceptional clarity and a velvety appearance that creates an almost ethereal glow from within the stone. The most prized specimens display this color naturally, without any treatment or enhancement.

Historical Sources

Historically, the finest cornflower blue sapphires have come from Kashmir, though these deposits are now largely depleted. These legendary stones set the standard for what is considered the ideal cornflower blue color. Modern sources of high-quality cornflower blue sapphires include Madagascar, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar.

Special Varieties

Light Blue Sapphire

Ceylon sapphires come from Sri Lanka, where the sapphires have a medium to lighter color. Ceylon sapphires, in general, tend to be closer to the cornflower blue standard.

Unique Appeal

Light blue sapphires possess their own unique charm and appeal. These gems often display excellent transparency and brilliance, with their lighter tone allowing more light to pass through the stone. This creates a bright, airy appearance that many collectors and jewelry enthusiasts find appealing. The best light blue sapphires exhibit an even color distribution and maintain their attractiveness under various lighting conditions.

Cultural Significance

Neelam Stone

The following section is pseudo scientific and based on cultural beliefs.

Traditional Significance

The blue sapphire stone in Hindi is called as the Neelam stone, Nilam stone, and Neelam Ratna. The Neelam stone is the gemstone of the powerful planet Saturn or Shani in Vedic astrology. Saturn is a karmic planet and Saturn or Shani periods will make or break an individual’s life. The Saturn cycle can be a defining phase in an individual’s life.

Beliefs and Properties

The special effects of the Neelam stone are very powerful and superior and it is considered by many as one of the most powerful and influential gemstones in the world. In Vedic tradition, it is believed that wearing a properly selected and activated blue sapphire can help balance the influence of Saturn in one’s life.

Wearing Guidelines

Traditional beliefs suggest that the Neelam stone should be worn after careful consideration and consultation with a knowledgeable astrologer. The stone is typically set in either gold or silver, depending on the specific astrological requirements of the wearer.

Mining and Production

Global Sources

Blue sapphires are mined in various locations around the world, each producing stones with distinct characteristics. Kashmir sapphires, though rare today, are historically the most prestigious, known for their sleepy, velvety appearance. Myanmar (formerly Burma) produces rich, royal blue stones, while Sri Lankan sapphires often display lighter, brighter hues.

Contemporary Sources

Madagascar has emerged as a significant source of high-quality blue sapphires in recent decades. These stones often rival the quality of those from traditional sources. Other notable deposits exist in Australia, Thailand, and the United States, each contributing to the global supply of these precious gems.

Sustainable Practices

Modern mining practices emphasize environmental responsibility and sustainable extraction methods. This includes careful land management, water conservation, and restoration of mined areas. Ethical sourcing has become increasingly important in the sapphire trade, with many buyers seeking stones with documented origins and responsible mining practices.

Maintenance and Care

Care Guidelines

Despite their exceptional hardness, blue sapphires require proper care to maintain their beauty. Regular cleaning with warm, soapy water and a soft brush can help maintain their brilliance. Ultrasonic cleaners are generally safe for untreated stones, but those with fracture fillings or certain treatments should be cleaned more carefully.

Storage Recommendations

Storage is also important – while sapphires are unlikely to be scratched by other gems, they can scratch softer stones. Therefore, storing them separately or in individual soft cloth pouches is recommended. Avoid exposure to harsh chemicals and extreme temperature changes, which can potentially affect any treatments the stone may have received.

FAQ

What determines the value of a blue sapphire?

The value of a blue sapphire is determined by several key factors: color intensity and purity (with cornflower blue being most desirable), clarity (fewer inclusions command higher prices), cut quality (affecting brilliance and light reflection), carat weight, and origin (Kashmir, Burma, and Ceylon sources often command premium prices). Natural, untreated stones typically command higher prices than treated ones.

How does lighting affect blue sapphire appearance?

Blue sapphires can appear differently under various lighting conditions. Natural daylight typically shows the truest color, while incandescent light may enhance purple undertones. Fluorescent lighting can sometimes make the stone appear slightly grayish. Quality sapphires maintain their attractive blue color under all lighting conditions, though the intensity may vary.

What’s the difference between heat-treated and untreated blue sapphires?

Heat treatment is a common practice that enhances a sapphire’s color and clarity by dissolving certain mineral inclusions. While treated stones are more affordable and readily available, untreated sapphires are rarer and more valuable. Heat treatment is permanent and accepted in the industry, but should always be disclosed at the time of sale.

How do I clean my blue sapphire jewelry?

Clean your blue sapphire jewelry using warm water with mild soap and a soft brush. Avoid harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners if your stone is treated or has inclusions. Professional cleaning once a year is recommended for worn pieces. Always remove sapphire jewelry before engaging in rough activities or exposure to chemicals.

Are blue sapphires a good investment?

High-quality blue sapphires, especially those of significant size and from prestigious sources, have historically maintained or increased in value over time. However, like all investments, returns aren’t guaranteed. Key factors for investment-grade stones include excellent color, minimal treatments, significant size (usually over 5 carats), and proper documentation of origin and characteristics.

Purchase Options

We make custom made blue sapphire as engagement rings, necklaces, stud earrings, bracelets, pendants… Please contact us for a quote.