BLUE SAPPHIRE

Blue sapphire is a type of gemstone that is mostly blue in color. It is a popular choice for jewelry and has been used in royalty for centuries. The name sapphire comes from the Greek word "sappheiros," meaning blue.

Sapphires are typically found in shades of blue, but can also be found in other colors such as yellow, green, white and sometimes pink sapphires.

Blue Sapphire Stone

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LEARN MORE ABOUT BLUE SAPPHIRE

Sapphire Stones has long been regarded as a gemstone of nobility and elegance, having been frequently used for jewelry decoration in European royal families since the Middle Ages. In recent years, sapphire has been increasingly prevalent in the sales of graded colored gems, and the buzz has continued to rise.

Gemstone Attributes

Mineral Corrundum
Chemistry Al2O3
Color Light - Deep Blue
Refractive Index 1.762 - 1.770
Birefringence 0.008 - 0.010
Specific Gravity 4.00
Mohs Hardness 9.0

Blue Sapphire Value

When estimating the value of Natural blue sapphire, color is the most important element. While hue does count, the closer to a pure blue, the better, so saturation is more important. The highest quality sapphires have vivid saturation. The tone is also an important consideration. Dark sapphires are too common and don’t reach high values. When evaluating sapphire quality factors, one must consider both saturation and tone.

While blue sapphire gemstones are found in a variety of locations around the world, the finest quality stones come from Sri Lanka and Kashmir. These stones are typically very small, which also contributes to their high price tag.
 
In addition to being rare and beautiful, blue natural sapphire is also one of the hardest gems, making it perfect for use in jewelry that will be worn daily. If you're looking for a truly unique and special piece of jewelry, blue sapphire is an excellent choice especially for engagement rings after the popularity of the Princess Diana Ring.
 
Generally, inclusions lower the price of a sapphire gemstone in the gem industry. If the inclusion jeopardizes the solidity of the gemstone, the price drops significantly. However, sometimes inclusions can increase the value of certain sapphires. Many of the most precious Kashmir sapphires contain tiny inclusions that create a velvety appearance. These inclusions scatter light, creating coveted visual effects without compromising the clarity of the gemstone.
 
The blue star sapphire price is based on the carat weight of the stone. The bigger the stone, the more expensive it will be. The average price per carat for a blue star sapphire is $300. However, the price can range from $100 to $500 per carat depending on the quality of the stone. Sapphires with a higher carat weight are more rare and therefore more expensive.

Blue Sapphire Sources

Sapphires can be found all over the world, but high-quality gemstones are much rarer and happen in fewer locations. These are some of the most notable sources:

  • Sri Lanka : An ancient source that still produces amazing sapphires of all colors. Most blue Ceylon sapphire originate from the country.
  • Kashmir : Stones from Kashmir set the standard for the evaluation of blue sapphires. Verified historic Kashmir Sapphire stones can sell for high prices. They possess a velvet texture and colors ranging towards purplish blue, combined with a strong to vivid saturation and medium dark tones. 
  • Australia : Sapphires from Australia tend to be darker in color, although some rare and fine examples come from the country. They have also found parti-colored stones, which are usually yellow and green or yellow and blue.
  • Myanmar : The country formerly known as Burma produces some of the highest-quality gemstones, especially sapphires. Violet blue in color, highly saturated and with medium to medium dark tones.
  • Thailand : The home of colored stones, Thailand produces blue sapphires in abundance. They tend to have fine hue and saturation, although some are strongly dichroic, with dirty green in a certain direction. This means the stone needs to be cut properly for it to not shine through.
  • Montana : The US state produces all colors of Montana sapphire. They are known as ‘steely’ because they have greyish saturation. Sapphires from Yogo Gulch are an exception, as they have some of the world’s finest colors, although are rarely larger than one carat.

Blue Sapphire Properties 

Sapphires usually contain some inclusions, but are usually higher clarity than rubies. Blue sapphires of exceptional clarity are rare and invaluable. There are several types of inclusions in sapphire. Among them, the elongated mineral inclusions are called needles. When needles are rutile minerals and intersect in groups, they are called filaments. Sapphire clarity is also characterized by crystals, fingerprint inclusions, color gamut, and color bands.

In addition to their rich color, blue sapphire gemstone often have a star-like asterism. This is caused by rutile needle inclusions that reflect light to create a six-rayed star. Blue sapphires are also very hard, rating a 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This makes them ideal for use in jewelry as they are resistant to scratching.

Blue Sapphire Colors 

Sapphire is corundum with a dominant blue gems hue, often with violet or green hues. The industry divides the blue color of sapphire into the following grades according to the three elements of color (hue, saturation, lightness)
 
  • "Royal Blue" - is a true blue or purplish-tinged blue that is one of highest ratings for sapphire color and is part of Vivid Blue and Deep Blue Sapphire. A Vivid Blue or Deep Blue whose saturation and lightness meet certain criteria can achieve a "Royal Blue" rating.
  • "Cornflower Blue" - is a blue with a purplish tinge that gives a hazy velvety unique texture, named for its resemblance to the blue of the German national flower cornflower, belonging to Vivid Blue and Intense Blue part.

This visual effect is caused by light scattering through the gemstone when the gemstone contains finely divided grains, short needle-like inclusions or growth lines. Cornflower sapphires were first produced in Kashmir, India. Like "Royal Blue", "Cornflower Blue" is not restricted to origin, and each origin may yield a sapphire with "Cornflower Blue".

Blue Sapphire Care

Whether you’re wearing your blue sapphire jewelry every day or only for special occasions, it’s important to clean it regularly. Here are a few tips on how to clean your blue sapphire jewelry or Blue sapphire ring at home:
  • Soap and water is always a safe bet when it comes to cleaning jewelry. Simply mix a bowl of warm water with a drop of mild dish soap and let your jewelry soak for a few minutes. Use a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub away any dirt or grime. Rinse well and dry with a soft cloth.
  • If your blue sapphire jewelry is especially dirty, you can make a paste out of baking soda and water. Gently rub the paste onto the surface of the jewelry with a soft cloth, then rinse well and dry.