Blue sapphire from Sri Lanka (Ceylon)

Ceylon Blue Sapphire

Ceylon Blue Sapphire is a precious gemstone that is highly valued for its unique color, hardness, and luster. It is a variety of the mineral corundum, which also includes rubies. The name "ceylon" refers to its place of origin, Sri Lanka, which was previously known as Ceylon.

Properties

Ceylon Blue Sapphire is one of the hardest gemstones, second only to diamond, with a rating of 9 on the Mohs scale. Its color varies from light to dark blue, with shades of violet and green. The intensity of the color depends on the concentration of iron and titanium in the crystal lattice. The finest quality of Ceylon Blue Sapphire has a vivid blue color with a hint of violet, known as "cornflower blue."

The gemstone has a vitreous to adamantine luster, which gives it a brilliant shine. It may also display optical effects, such as asterism (a star-shaped pattern) or chatoyancy (a cat's eye effect), depending on its cut and orientation. Ceylon Blue Sapphire is available in a range of sizes, from small accent stones to large center stones.

History

Ceylon Blue Sapphire has a long history that dates back to ancient times. It was first discovered in Sri Lanka, which was known for its rich deposits of gemstones. The gemstone was highly prized by ancient civilizations, including the Greeks, Romans, and Persians. They believed that the gemstone had magical powers and could protect them from harm.

In medieval times, Ceylon Blue Sapphire became popular among European royalty, who adorned their crowns and robes with the gemstone. The gemstone was believed to symbolize wisdom, virtue, and good fortune. It was also associated with the planet Saturn, which was believed to govern power, authority, and discipline.

Mining

Ceylon Blue Sapphire is primarily found in the Ratnapura district of Sri Lanka, which is often referred to as the "City of Gems." The region is located in the southern part of the country and is known for its rich gemstone deposits, including sapphires, rubies, and alexandrites.

Mining for Ceylon Blue Sapphire in Sri Lanka dates back to at least the 2nd century AD, with the region being a prominent source of the gemstone for centuries. The gemstone is typically found in alluvial deposits, which are sedimentary rocks that are formed by the accumulation of mineral and organic matter over time.

The mining of Ceylon Blue Sapphire is typically carried out using traditional methods, which involve digging pits or shafts into the ground to reach the gemstone-bearing gravel layers. The gravel is then washed to separate the gemstones from the other materials, and the sapphires are sorted by size and quality.

In addition to Ratnapura, other regions in Sri Lanka that are known for their Ceylon Blue Sapphire deposits include Balangoda, Elahera, and Kataragama. These regions have a long history of gemstone mining and are also home to a number of gemstone cutting and polishing factories.

The mining of Ceylon Blue Sapphire is an important industry in Sri Lanka, providing employment and income to many local communities. It is also a key contributor to the country's economy, with the gemstone being one of Sri Lanka's top exports.

Treatment

Ceylon Blue Sapphire is often treated to enhance its color and clarity. Heat treatment is the most common method, which involves heating the gemstone to high temperatures to remove impurities and improve its color. The treatment is permanent and does not affect the durability of the gemstone. However, it is important to disclose any treatments when selling or buying the gemstone.

Price

The value of Ceylon Blue Sapphire depends on its size, color, clarity, and cut. The price per carat of a high-quality Ceylon Blue Sapphire can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars. Ceylon Blue Sapphire is available for sale in various shapes and sizes, from loose stones to finished jewelry pieces.

Uses in Jewelry

Ceylon Blue Sapphire is a popular choice for jewelry, particularly for engagement rings and other special occasions. The gemstone is often cut in various shapes such as round, oval, cushion, and pear, and set in different types of jewelry settings, including solitaire, halo, and three-stone. The gemstone is also used as an accent stone in combination with other gemstones, such as diamonds and emeralds.

Ceylon Blue Sapphire is a timeless and elegant gemstone that is often associated with royalty, wisdom, and good fortune. Its unique color and hardness make it a highly prized gemstone, which is popular among jewelry enthusiasts and collectors alike. Whether it is a solitaire engagement ring, a pair of earrings, or a necklace, Ceylon Blue Sapphire adds a touch of luxury and sophistication to any jewelry collection.

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