These gemstones are derived from mineral named “corundum”. The word sapphire comes from the Greek ‘sappheiros’ meaning blue. Sapphire does not occur only in blue color. Sapphires can be yellow, green, brown, purple or pink, depending on the presence of various types of minerals. The only exception is that they are not red in color; the red varieties are called rubies.
The impurities of the gemstones are what that determines the change in color of a sapphire. Some of the most common impurities are elements such as titanium, chromium, and iron. These elements in sapphires lead to the change of the color otherwise they are transparent mineral which transforms into fascinating colors like pink, yellow, orange, green and blue. Some rare sapphires could be of tint black and gray color as well.
As you know now that you have a wide range of sapphire options out there, making the perfect choice between sapphire fine jewelry can be complicated. But after knowing the charisma and style of sapphires, you’ll feel worth and blessed to search it!
They are 2 basic sapphire varieties. They are:
- Natural Sapphires
- Synthetic Sapphires
Natural sapphires are natural gemstones that are naturally extracted from the treasures of the mother earth. After the extraction process, they are washed and polished keeping the gemstones intact in its natural form.
Synthetic sapphires are simply genius of the modern era. The process includes the creation of a new form using all natural elements and solutions. However, it is a challenging job to keep synthetic gemstone closest to the natural one.
Difference between Synthetic and Natural Sapphires
It’s impossible to judge difference between the natural and synthetic sapphire by naked eyes. Where a slow crystallization can be seen with a precise look at natural sapphires, synthetic sapphires can be distinguished by spotting a small portion of external elements in very small quantities.
However, this bubble like inclusions can be found in both the natural sapphire and the synthetic sapphires. Yes, a feather like inclusions is also possible in natural ones. This can be detected by placing sapphire under a strong light. The shining becomes abnormal on this experimentation. But as I said it is difficult to be determined by normal eyes.
Don’t lose hope. There are still some simple steps that you can do yourself as suggested by experts. Rub the gemstone gently between your palms and then squeeze it between your fingers. This will result in a waxy feel if you have synthetic sapphire in your hand. The experts use number of laboratory tests and methodologies in identifying the synthetic and natural sapphires. Experts who have been doing it for several years can distinguish between natural and synthetic one seven by naked eyes and by its touch and feel.
Popular Sapphire Gemstones Colors:
Blue Sapphire Stone
Blue sapphire is undoubtedly an eye candy and the most common choice among people. Blue sapphire further comes in a range of hues, starting from pale blue to vivid violet-blue color. Most of the blue sapphires out there include light inclusions in natural form which further enhance the beauty and the value of the gemstones.
Blue sapphire gemstones is widely known as Neelam which is a Hindi language word. It is regarded as the gemstone of Saturn. Blue Sapphire is believed to be originated from Sri Lankan and it is the second most found sapphire. To make it easy for you to make a choice I would mention that the cornflower blue and deep blue is among the popular choices of blue sapphires.
Yellow Sapphire Stone
Yellow sapphire got its name from its primary hue which is yellow. However, if you have seen one, you must know that its color ranges from greenish yellow to orange yellow but a lively yellow always being present as the most noticeable color. The yellow color comes from the presence of impurities of iron. Yellow sapphire is also known as Pukhraj which is widely accepted a name in India and other Asian countries. This is regarded as gemstone of the Jupiter.
Pink Sapphire Stone
Pink is one of the most desirable color for women and the fact doesn’t change when it comes to the gemstones as well. Pink sapphires also vary from pale pink color to a deep magenta color but generally, it is spoken as a pink sapphire stone because it is the basic essence of the stone. The pink color comes from the presence of impurities of chromium in the gemstones. Noticeably, more the amount of the chromium inside, more will be the value of the sapphire. Pink Sapphire is the second most valuable sapphire. Pure vibrant and vivid pink colors are exceptional pink sapphire stones.
Padparadscha Sapphire
Padparadscha sapphire is the rarest sapphire gemstone which can be distinguished by its tempting look of pink and orange color. This stone is infect very little known to the common people if it exists or not but it has been treasured by experts and collectors in their collection.
Star Sapphire
The star sapphire derived its name from its characteristics as it shows signs of a phenomenon called asterism. Star sapphire got a star like look in the stone. In further explanation to the figure within the stone, it is caused by the needle like inclusions which intersect each other, forming a six rayed star like pattern when seen under a light source.
Color Changing Sapphire
Color changing sapphires are the second rarest sapphire after Padparadscha Sapphire. The color-changing sapphires reveal different colors when seen under different light sources. This property of the stone is the result of the presence of impurities of vanadium and chromium. More vivid the color change, more valuable is the sapphire.
There are several other varieties of sapphires available in a colorless variety. They are known as the white sapphire or colorless sapphire. Some other naturally occurred sapphire gemstones found in various part of the world are green, orange, purple and black sapphires.
Golden Sapphires
Golden sheen sapphires are newly discovered rare sapphires that could be yours. These sapphires are discovered in the mines of Kenya just 6 years back. They are durable and suitable for everyday wear. See the below image for this marvel of the nature and contact here for more details.
