Gemstones are some of the most marvelous, bodacious, and robust entities the world has ever witnessed. Gemstones are enormously hailed and revered for their gargantuan value, mesmerizing beauty, whimsical display of colors, and immeasurable astrological significance. In the unfathomable universe of gemstones, sapphires are the biggest goliaths or we can say that undisputed king of gemstones.
Sapphires are the true wonders of nature in every sense. By leaps and bounds, they are the most valuable gemstones that come in a plethora of colors, shapes, sizes, and are available at different corners of the world. Some of the most expensive or valuable gemstones in the world are sapphires with a per carat price as high as $1 million to $2million per carat. Sapphires come in a myriad of varieties and some of the most precious types of sapphires are available only at particular origins.
The implications of sapphires in different industry verticals are enormous but that’s not what we are going to discuss here. The ultimate purpose of this blog post is to make all gemstone enthusiasts and our valued readers aware of different types of sapphires by their color and name. Additionally, we will also state the synonymous of a particular sapphire if available along with origin and physical properties.
Different Types of Sapphires
Blue Sapphire
By leaps and bounds, blue sapphire or original Neelam stone is the most celebrated and revered type of sapphire and tops the list of most expensive sapphires as well. Blue sapphire is also popularly knows as Indraneelam, Aparjitaneelam, Mayuri Neelam, Teal sapphire as these are some of the most valuable variants of blue sapphire gemstone.
Moreover, other exclusive variants of Neelam stone are Kashmir sapphire, Cornflower blue sapphire, ceylon sapphire, and ice blue sapphire. After diamonds, a blue sapphire stone is the second hardest gemstone in existence. Astrologically, it represents the planet Saturn and is also the birthstone of September month. Some of the principal origins of par-excellent quality natural blue sapphires are Ceylon, Thailand, Kashmir, Burma, and Madagascar. Embracing an original blue sapphire gemstone can reap heaps of benefits to wearers including improvement in digestion and bless wearers with fortune, fame, and luck.
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Yellow Sapphire
The next noteworthy entrant in our coveted list of types of sapphires is yellow sapphire. Widely denoted as Pukhraj stone in India, yellow sapphire stone can mesmerize anyone in just a glance with its striking and gobsmacking yellow hues. In terms of value and popularity, yellow sapphire stone is no less than blue sapphire as both belong to the mineral family corundum and differ only in color.
Some of the most popular synonyms of yellow sapphire gemstones are Kanakpushyaragam stone, Pushyaraga, Peetamani, Peela Pukhraj, Push raja, etc. If we talk about origin, Burma, Ceylon, and Thailand are prominent sources of the top-notch quality Pukhraj stones. Yellow sapphire is perhaps the numero Uno gemstone when it comes to high end expensive jewelry as most celebrities or influential personalities prefer to encrust pukhraj or panna stones in different jewelry forms.
White Sapphire
White sapphire is one of the most prominent varieties of sapphires which is a naturally occurring gemstone and a type of corundum, which is the same mineral that gives rise to rubies and blue sapphires. It is colorless and transparent in appearance and is often used as an alternative to diamonds in jewelry because of its similar appearance. As the name suggests, white sapphire is typically colorless, although it can sometimes exhibit a very faint tint of other colors.
White sapphires are considered one of the excellent options in making affordable jewelry for the masses. While they don’t have the same hardness and luster as diamonds, they are durable enough to withstand everyday wear.
White sapphires can be found naturally in the earth and Ceylon is the top source of premium quality white sapphires. They can also be created in a laboratory. Lab-created white sapphires have the same physical and chemical properties as natural ones and are often more affordable. White sapphires are associated with qualities such as wisdom, clarity, and spiritual insight. They are believed to promote positive energy and enhance mental focus.
Pink Sapphire
If you are looking for a sapphire type that is both alluring and meaningful, a pink sapphire is a terrific selection. They are considered a pristine symbol of love, compassion, and emotional healing. The name “pink sapphire” comes from the Sanskrit word “padma,” which means lotus flower.
Pink sapphires are one of the rare mineral variants of corundum family, the same mineral that makes up rubies. They are highly prized for their lush and intense pink color that varies from pale to deep magenta. Pink sapphires are relatively rare, which contributes to their high price. They are primarily found in Madagascar, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar.
The color of a pink sapphire is influenced by the presence of trace amounts of iron and titanium in the internal crystal structure. The more iron, the deeper the pink color. Pink sapphires with a strong pink color are the most valuable.
Pink sapphires are often used in jewelry, especially engagement rings and necklaces. They can also be used in other types of jewelry, such as earrings, bracelets, and pendants.
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Padparadscha Sapphire
Without a shadow of a doubt, Padparadscha sapphire is the rarest and the most valuable types of sapphires renowned for exhibiting the coveted pink-orange hues that are barely found in other sapphires.
The name “padparadscha” is derived from the Sinhalese word for “lotus blossom,” and the color of these sapphires is vehemently believed to resemble the petals of a lotus flower. Padparadschas are only found in a few select locations around the world, such as Sri Lanka, Madagascar, and Tanzania. This rarity, combined with their stunning beauty, makes padparadscha sapphires some of the most valuable gemstones in the world.
The color of a padparadscha sapphire is largely determined by the presence of trace amounts of chromium and iron in the corundum crystal. The more the quantity of chromium, the richer the pink color, while the more iron, the more orange the color. The ideal padparadscha sapphire has a balance of both pink and orange creating a unique and vibrant color that is unlike any other gemstone. The highest quality padparadscha sapphires can fetch prices of over $10,000 per carat to $1 million per carat.
Purple Sapphire
Purple sapphire is undeniably the most captivating and rarest variation of the corundum family that have been capturing the imagination of gemstone enthusiasts for a long time. The timeless and alluring blend of regal purple and hints of violet makes purple sapphire a unique and sought-after choice in the world of expensive jewelry. With a remarkable hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, purple sapphires are not only stunning but also durable, suitable for a variety of jewelry pieces.
The exquisite and drool-worthy color of purple sapphires is attributed to traces of iron and titanium within the crystal structure. Their rarity adds to their allure, making them a distinctive and exclusive option for those who appreciate the extraordinary. Whether set in a classic solitaire ring or paired with diamonds in intricate designs, purple sapphires exude elegance and individuality.
Symbolizing wisdom, creativity, and spirituality, purple sapphires hold a deeper meaning that resonates with many. As a testament to their beauty and significance, these gems are a remarkable choice for anyone seeking to adorn themselves with a touch of mystery and prestige.
Green Sapphire
Green sapphire is a precious gemstone and one of the integral sapphire types belonging to the corundum family, just like its more renowned counterparts, ruby gemstone and sapphire. Its tickling and amusing green hue is a result of trace elements of iron and titanium. These elements interact with the crystal lattice during formation, imparting the distinct green color.
Green sapphires can exhibit a wide range of green shades, from pale and minty greens to deeper forest greens. Moreover, Green sapphires are found in various parts of the world, including Madagascar, Sri Lanka, Australia, Tanzania, and Montana (USA). Each location produces sapphires with distinct characteristics, contributing to the different varieties in the market.
In addition to their use in jewelry, sapphires, including green sapphires, are used in various industrial applications due to their hardness and resistance to high temperatures and chemicals.Color intensity, clarity, carat weight, and cut quality significantly influence a green sapphire’s value. A rich, vivid green color with few inclusions and an excellent cut will command a higher price.
Famous green sapphires include the “Delong Star Ruby and Sapphire,” the “Star of India,” and the “St. Edward’s Sapphire,” which is set in the British Imperial State Crown.
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Color Change Sapphires
Color change sapphires are unquestionably the most intriguing and unique type of sapphires that change color in different lighting conditions. They are carved when trace amounts of iron and titanium are present in the mineral corundum, which is the same mineral that makes up rubies and sapphires. The different colors are caused by the way that these impurities interact with light.
Not many individuals know that the most common color change sapphires shift from blue to purple, but they can also change from green to red, or from grayish-blue to brownish-red. The color change is usually most dramatic when the sapphire is viewed in daylight and incandescent light.They are most commonly found in Sri Lanka, Madagascar, and Australia.They are often cut in oval or cushion shapes to maximize the color change effect.
Peach Sapphire
Peach sapphire is a drop dead gorgeous and relatively rare variety of the mineral corundum. It is highly prized for its delicate and enchanting peach or light orange-pink color which can range from subtle pastels to more saturated tones. Peach sapphires exhibit a range of shades within the peach and pink spectrum. The color intensity can vary, with some stones displaying a soft and delicate pastel peach, while others have deeper and more vibrant tones.
Peach sapphires are sourced from several regions, with notable deposits found in Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Tanzania, and Myanmar. Each location contributes unique variations in color and quality. Astrologically, Peach sapphires symbolize love, compassion, and gentleness. They are often associated with emotions of care and positivity, making them meaningful gifts for expressing affection.
Peach sapphire and morganite are both popular choices for peach-toned gemstones. However, morganite is a type of beryl, while peach sapphire belongs to the corundum family. Sapphires are generally harder and more suitable for long-term wear compared to morganite.
Black Sapphire
Black sapphire, an opaque variety of sapphires with an almost impenetrable depth of color that is quite rare to find. Predominantly sourced from Australia in significant quantities, this variant is often perceived as economical and lower in quality. Despite its affordability, its resemblance to onyx is striking, making it a popular substitute for the latter.
Although their appearance is strikingly similar, it’s important to note that onyx is notably softer in comparison. The remarkable distinction lies in black sapphire’s exceptional hardness, ranking at 9 on the Mohs Scale. This attribute bestows it with robust durability, ideal for enduring jewelry applications such as rings or pendants, while also mimicking the onyx’s coveted darkness.
The deep ebony tone of black sapphire emerges from subtle traces of iron and titanium within its mineral structure. Remarkably, there are black star sapphire variations that unveil delicate shades of pink and purple, creating an intriguing contrast.
The intriguing fact is, black star sapphire, despite sharing the same captivating hue with black sapphire, stands as a considerably higher-priced gemstone, cherished by g;emstone connoisseurs for its rarity and arresting beauty. Black star sapphire commands a premium price in the global markets, potentially fetching thousands of dollars.
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