Sapphire

Sapphire stone

Sapphires are a precious gemstone that have been prized for centuries for their beauty and durability. The name "sapphire" comes from the Greek word "sappheiros", which means blue stone. While the most popular and iconic color of sapphires is blue, these gemstones can also be found in a variety of other colors including pink, yellow, green, and even purple.

History

Sapphires have been used in a variety of cultures throughout history. In ancient Greece, sapphires were believed to have healing properties and were used in amulets to ward off evil spirits. In the Middle Ages, sapphires were often worn by royalty and nobility as a symbol of wealth and prestige. Today, sapphires continue to be popular in jewelry and are often used as engagement ring stones.

Properties

Sapphires are a type of mineral called corundum, which is composed of aluminum oxide. The color of a sapphire is determined by the presence of trace elements in the mineral, such as iron, titanium, or chromium. Blue sapphires contain iron and titanium, while other colors, such as pink and yellow, contain trace amounts of chromium.

One of the most important physical characteristics of sapphires is their hardness. Sapphires have a Mohs hardness of 9, which makes them second only to diamonds in terms of hardness. This makes sapphires a great choice for jewelry because they are durable and can withstand daily wear and tear.

Another important characteristic of sapphires is their refractive index, which measures how light is bent as it passes through the gemstone. Sapphires have a high refractive index, which gives them a bright, sparkling appearance. This is one of the reasons why sapphires are so popular in jewelry.

Color variety and price

Blue sapphires are the most popular and iconic, but sapphires can also be found in a variety of other colors:

• Blue sapphires are the most iconic and popular type of sapphire. They range in color from a pale sky blue to a deep, rich navy blue. The price starts from $1,700/carat for good quality gems up to $10k+/carat for untreated sapphires of the highest gem-quality.
• Pink sapphires are becoming increasingly popular in recent years, and can range in color from pale pink to deep raspberry. Natural pink sapphires of varying degrees of color saturation and size can be bought on the market for $900-3000 per carat.
• Yellow sapphires can range in color from pale lemon yellow to a rich, warm golden yellow. Gems with a good cut of medium size, 3-5 carats, and visually clear stones range in price from $700 to 1500 per carat.
• Green sapphires are relatively rare and can range in color from a pale mint green to a deep forest green. For a large, high-quality stone with a vibrant green color and good
  clarity, prices can range from $300 to $1000 per carat or more.
• Purple sapphires can range in color from a pale lavender to a deep, rich purple. On average, a purple sapphire can range from $50 to $100 per carat for lower quality gems to $300 to $500 per carat for higher quality gemstones.
• Padparadscha sapphires are a rare and highly sought-after variety of sapphire that is a unique color between pink and orange. The prices range from a few thousand dollars and go up to several tens of thousands of dollars per carat
• Star sapphires are a rare type of sapphire that displays a star-like pattern when viewed under a light source, known as asterism. They are often found in blue and black color. On average, a high-quality star sapphire can range from $50 to $500 per carat, while top-quality specimens can fetch prices in excess of $1000 per carat.

Origin

Sapphires are found in a variety of locations around the world, with some of the most well-known sources being Sri Lanka, Madagascar, and Myanmar. Other sources include Thailand, Australia, and Montana, USA.

Sapphires are typically mined in one of two ways: open-pit mining and underground mining. Open-pit mining involves removing large amounts of soil and rock to reach the sapphire deposits, while underground mining involves digging tunnels and shafts to reach the deposits.

Sapphire in jewelry

Sapphires have been used in jewelry for centuries, and continue to be a popular choice for engagement rings and other types of jewelry today. Some of the most popular ways sapphires are used in jewelry include:

Engagement Rings

Sapphires are often used as an alternative to diamonds in engagement rings. Blue sapphires are a popular choice, but sapphires in other colors can also be used to create a unique and beautiful ring.

Earrings

Sapphires are a popular choice for stud and dangle earrings. They can be found in a variety of colors and sizes, making them versatile and perfect for any occasion.

Pendants

Sapphires are a popular choice for pendants, often used in combination with other gemstones or diamonds. They can be found in a variety of colors and sizes, making them perfect for any occasion.

Rings

Sapphire rings can be found in a variety of styles, from simple bands to more elaborate designs. They can be used in combination with other gemstones or diamonds, making them perfect for any occasion.