LEARN MORE ABOUT PURPLE SAPPHIRE
Purple sapphire is a relatively valuable gemstone that is very popular amongst gemstone collectors and jewelry enthusiasts. Since sapphire stones come in different shapes and sizes, the color of purple sapphire gemstones can range from deep, rich violet to a light lavender hue. The intensity and saturation of the gem and color can also affect the value and price of the stone.
Just like lilac flowers, the purple sapphire radiates a captivating beauty that draws the eye and evokes feelings of joy, beauty, and contentment.
Gemstone Attributes
Mineral | Corrundum |
---|---|
Chemistry | Al2O3 |
Color | Pale - Deep Purple |
Refractive Index | 1.762 - 1.770 |
Birefringence | 0.008 - 0.010 |
Specific Gravity | 4.00 |
Mohs Hardness | 9.0 |
PURPLE Sapphire Value
Purple sapphires are a beautiful and unique choice for anyone looking for a valuable and elegant gem. Its beauty and association with royalty and luxury make it a timeless addition to any luxury collection. It is regarded as a rare gem and is treasured by many. Whether it is set into an engagement ring, necklace, ring, or earrings, a rare purple sapphire stone is a delight to the eye.
The popularity of purple sapphires can be attributed to the gemstone's unique form and rare striking color. While sapphires are worn as a complement to classic jewelry, purple sapphires offer a touch of individuality and flair. The geological conditions required for their formation are specific and unusual, making them a precious and rare find.
Purple sapphires come in various shapes and a wide range of breathtaking hues, from the deepest shades of royal purple to the palest tones. The cost of Purple Sapphire can vary significantly, ranging in price from $76 to $1530, based on factors such as its hue, texture, and place of origin.
When purchasing a purple sapphire, it is important to consider the quality and characteristics of the certified gemstone. For instance, factors like color, clarity, carat weight, and cut can all impact the gemstone's value. It is also essential to ensure that the stone is natural and untreated, as some treatments can enhance the color, cut, or clarity of the stone artificially. In general, the purple sapphire price can be less than blue sapphires, but more expensive than some other colored gemstones.
PURPLE Sapphire Sources
Purple sapphire stones are primarily sourced from Sri Lanka and Madagascar, where they have been mined for centuries. However, significant amounts of purple sapphire can also be found in other parts of the world, including Tanzania, Kenya, and Myanmar. Each region produces purple sapphires with distinct characteristics.
For example, purple sapphires from Sri Lanka tend to have a lighter, pastel-like coloration with a pinkish hue similar to yellow sapphire and pink sapphire from these region. These stones' inclusions are often considered to be among the finest and most beautiful in the world.
Madagascan purple sapphires, on the other hand, tend to have a more vivid and saturated color, with a deeper purple-blue tone. This is due to the presence of iron and other trace elements in the deposits found in Madagascar, which give these stones their distinctive coloring.
Purple sapphires from Tanzania and Kenya are also highly desired for their unique colors, which can range from pinkish-purple to bluish-purple. These stones are typically larger and more abundant than those found in other regions, making them a popular choice for jewelry designers looking for high-quality gemstones.
Myanmar purple sapphires, on the other hand, tend to have a more violet-purple hue and are often less saturated than those found in other regions. This is due to the different geological conditions and trace elements present in the deposits discovered in Myanmar, which can give these stones a more subtle and delicate coloration.
Purple sapphires are a popular choice for jewelry designers and collectors looking for unique and high-quality gemstones. These gemstones also make a great alternative to diamonds.
Purple Sapphire Properties
Purple sapphire is a gemstone that belongs to the corundum mineral family. Its chemical formula is Al2O3, and it is composed of aluminum oxide. With a Mohs hardness of 9, it is considered one of the hardest gemstones, making it suitable for daily wear.
Purple sapphire is known for its varying hues of pinkish-lilac to deep violet, and its crystal structure is hexagonal (trigonal). The stone's vitreous luster adds to enhance its brilliance, and it is transparent to nearly opaque. Its refractive index ranges from 1.76 to 1.77, and its density is between 3.99 to 4.1.
On the other hand, Purple sapphire doesn't have any cleavage but has an uneven, round, conchoidal, or splintery fracture. It is brittle, which means it can easily break if not handled with care. Its streak is colorless, and it fluoresces under UV light, with lilac to purple stones glowing orange to red to blue, and deep violet stones glowing bluish-white.
Purple sapphire can show weak to distinct pleochroism, displaying shifts of two shades of the body color. Sometimes, it can exhibit asterism, which is a star-shaped pattern on the surface. It has a birefringence of 0.008 to 0.009 and a dispersion of 0.018. There is also a rare variety of purple sapphire that displays color-changing properties, shifting from violet to blue depending on the lighting conditions.
Purple Sapphire Colors
The hue of Khooni Neelam, as it is known in India, can be influenced by variations in lighting, causing it to exhibit either a bluish or reddish appearance depending on the lighting conditions. Additionally, certain purple sapphires may exhibit color zoning, where distinct regions of lighter and darker purple can be observed within the same gemstone.
In addition to the classic purple sapphires, there are also a few different variations and shapes of the stone that fall under the purple umbrella. One such variation is the plum sapphire, which is a darker shade of purple with a hint of red. Plum sapphires are known for their rich and regal color, which can range from deep, almost blackish-purple to a reddish-purple hue.
Another popular variation of purple sapphire is violet sapphire. These sapphires have a lighter, more blueish-purple hue, with a subtle pink undertone. Violet sapphires can range in color from pale, almost pastel shades of purple to deeper, more saturated hues. Some violet sapphires may also display color zoning, with distinct areas of lighter and darker purple within the exact gemstone.
The luxurious purple color of sapphire is attributed to the presence of vanadium in its chemical composition, and it can range from reddish-purple to violetish-purple. However, unlike other gemstones, purple sapphire always displays a pleasing purple hue as its dominant color.
Purple Sapphire Care
Purple sapphires, like all gemstones, require proper care to keep them looking their best. Here are some tips on how to take care of a purple sapphire:
Cleaning: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or a soft cloth to clean your purple sapphire. Avoid using harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners, as these can damage the stone. Instead, you can use gentle soap and warm water to clean it. Dry the stone thoroughly after cleaning.
Storage: Store your purple sapphire in a jewelry box or a soft pouch to protect it from scratches and other damage. Avoid storing it with other jewelry that may scratch it.
Avoid exposure to heat and chemicals: Avoid exposing your purple sapphire to heat and chemicals, such as cleaning products, hairspray, and perfume. These substances can damage the stone and affect its color.
Regular inspections: Have your purple sapphire inspected regularly by a professional jeweler. This can help identify any potential problems with wearing the stone, such as loose settings or cracks.
Just like diamonds, purple sapphires are precious gemstones that require proper care and maintenance to preserve their beauty and brilliance over time. Despite their durability, purple sapphires can still be damaged by exposure to heat, chemicals, and other harmful elements. To keep your purple sapphire looking its best, it's important to take these essential steps to protect it.