Blue sapphire gemstone aka Neelam Ratna, by miles, is one of the most scintillating and spellbinding gemstones in existence. Enormously acknowledged for exhibiting mesmerizing blue hues and delivering heaps of astrological benefits to wearers, the original neelam stone exemplifies the planet Saturn and is embraced to ward off the negative impact caused by this planet.
Blue sapphire belongs to the Big 4 club of gemstones. It is also one of the top-notch choices of fashionistas and gem lovers across the world. Though sapphires come in a wide range of colors, blue sapphires have always been the numero uno choice for gem enthusiasts because of umpteen reasons. The good part is natural Neelam stones are abundantly available in different corners of the world with quality varies from country to country. However, despite the extraordinary popularity of Neelam Ratna, most people are not aware of its multiple origins.
Through this blog post, we have strived hard to make our valued readers aware of different types of blue sapphires on the basis of origin. The information in this blog post will help them to make better economic decisions when it comes to buying a Blue Sapphire and expanding their knowledge base for sure.
Types of Blue Sapphire
Ceylon Blue Sapphire
Ceylon blue sapphire is a precious gemstone renowned for its exquisite blue color and exceptional quality. Originating from the island nation of Sri Lanka (formerly known as Ceylon), these sapphires are highly sought after by collectors and jewelry enthusiasts worldwide.
Sri Lanka has a long history of sapphire mining, dating back centuries. The island has been a major source of sapphires for many years, and its reputation for producing high-quality stones is well-established. Ceylon sapphires, especially those with the most desirable colors and clarity, are relatively rare. This scarcity contributes to their high value and desirability.
Ceylon sapphires exhibit a wide range of blue hues, from the pale cornflower blue to the deep, velvety royal blue. The most prized stones are those with a rich, pure blue color without any secondary hues.While some Ceylon sapphires may undergo heat treatment to enhance their color, this is a common practice in the gemstone industry and does not diminish their value.
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Kashmir Blue Sapphires
Kashmiri blue sapphires are a highly prized and rare variety of the gemstone corundum, which is the mineral species that also includes rubies. They are known for their intense, velvety blue color, which is considered one of the most desirable and valuable hues for sapphires.
Kashmiri blue sapphires are mined from deposits in the Himalayas of the Kashmir region, which spans parts of India, Pakistan, and China.
The finest Kashmiri blue sapphires exhibit a pure, rich blue color without any secondary hues like green or violet. This is due to the unique geological conditions in the Kashmir region.
Due to the extremely limited supply and high demand, Kashmiri blue sapphires are exceptionally rare and valuable. Fine-quality stones can fetch prices in the tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars per carat.
Kashmiri blue sapphires have been prized by royalty and the elite throughout history. They have been featured in famous jewelry pieces and royal collections.In addition to their stunning color, Kashmiri blue sapphires are also renowned for their clarity, brilliance, and overall quality craftsmanship when cut and polished.
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Burmese Blue Sapphire
Burmese Blue Sapphire is highly regarded in the gemstone world for its exceptional color, rarity, and brilliance. Found primarily in the Mogok region of Burma (now Myanmar), these sapphires are known for their intense, vivid blue hue, which often has a velvety appearance due to the fine silk-like inclusions that enhance the stone’s visual depth.
Key Features of Burmese Blue Sapphire:
Color: The hallmark of Burmese blue sapphires is their rich, royal blue color. Some can also exhibit slight violet undertones.
Clarity: While inclusions are common, they are typically fine and do not detract from the stone’s beauty. In fact, the subtle inclusions can enhance the sapphire’s brilliance.
Rarity: Burmese blue sapphires are scarce, especially those with high-quality clarity and deep blue color, making them highly sought after by collectors and connoisseurs.
Durability: Like all sapphires, Burmese blue sapphires score a 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness, making them highly durable and suitable for everyday wear.
Also Read:- Inclusions in Sapphires
Australian Blue Sapphires
Australia is one of the world’s major sources of blue sapphires, with significant deposits in the New South Wales and Queensland regions. The most renowned Australian blue sapphire deposit is located in the Anakie region of Central Queensland, which has been mined since the late 19th century. Other important Australian blue sapphire sources include the Lava Plains in New South Wales and areas around Rubyvale and Sapphire in Queensland.
Australian blue sapphires are known for their vivid, intense blue colors, ranging from deep royal blue to light cornflower blue. The blue color is primarily caused by the presence of iron and titanium impurities in the corundum crystal structure.
Australian blue sapphires often exhibit excellent clarity, with few visible inclusions, making them highly sought after for jewelry. In addition to the classic blue hue, some Australian sapphires can also display other colors like pink, yellow, and parti-colored (multiple colors in the same stone).
Thai Blue Sapphire
Thailand, renowned for its tropical beauty and vibrant culture, also boasts a hidden treasure: its world-class blue sapphires. Renowned for their exceptional quality and clarity, these precious stones have captivated jewelers and collectors alike.
The secret behind their brilliance lies in a process called heat treatment, which enhances their color and clarity without compromising their natural beauty. Chanthaburi and Kanchanaburi, two regions rich in mineral deposits, serve as the primary sources for these stunning sapphires.
Unlike their darker counterparts, Thailand’s blue sapphires, often referred to as Bangkok blue sapphires, exhibit a lighter, more ethereal hue. This combination of a delicate blue color and exceptional clarity makes them highly sought after for crafting exquisite jewelry pieces.
Check Out:- Kashmir Blue Sapphires
