How are sapphires classified?
How are sapphires classified?
Typically, all corundums not red in color are classified as sapphires. Though the term “sapphire” generally refers to a “blue sapphire” – they are also available in padparadscha (salmon or sunset color), pink, purple, orange, yellow, green, colorless and black. Each category has its own color range and market.
Is a sapphire a mineral?
Sapphires and rubies are both gem varieties of the mineral corundum. They have the same chemical composition and structure. Gems generally get their colour because of certain metals or impurities contained in the mineral. The impurities in corundum gems produce the large range of colours found.
What is a commercial grade sapphire?
Commercial-grade sapphires may contain a less desirable greenish blue color or strong greenish blue that is visible as you view the gem. Uniformly green sapphires that are saturated in color are actually rare and many collectors prize them.
What color family is sapphire?
corundum family
Sapphire belongs to the corundum family. There are a wide variety of colors: colorless, pink, orange, yellow, purple, black. Yellow corundums are called yellow sapphires.
Which sapphire is the best quality?
The best color for a natural blue sapphire is an intense, velvety, deep royal blue. This color of sapphire would be considered AAA quality, the rarest and most valuable. The second best color is a medium rich blue, or AA quality. Any blue sapphires that have a slight gray undertone fit into the A category.
How much does a 2 carat sapphire cost?
A sapphire stone can always be re-cut, so clarity is probably more important. A top quality 1 to 2 carat stone might retail for prices between $800 – $1200 per carat.
Are sapphires rarer than diamonds?
Still today it is the most well known and in demand colored gemstone. Royalty give sapphires over diamonds as engagement rings because they are known to be far rarer than diamonds.
What size is a 1 carat sapphire?
6 mm
Since sapphires are usually heavier, a one carat sapphire will look smaller than a one carat diamond. It is more accurate to measure the size of the sapphire in terms of its millimeter diameter. A rule of thumb is that a one carat sapphire generally measures 6 mm.
What are the names of the different colors of Sapphire?
The fancy sapphire colors are: pink, orange, yellow, green, purple, and violet. There truly is a different color of sapphire to suit anyone’s taste!
What’s the difference between a sapphire and a Parti Sapphire?
Whilst typically associated with the color blue, sapphires can also naturally occur in a wide variety of colors such as blue, yellow, purple, orange, green colors – which are also called fancy sapphires. Parti sapphires are those sapphires which show two or more colors in a single stone.
What do you need to know about Sapphire?
Sapphire: Mineral information, data and localities. This section is currently hidden. Click the show button to view. Most commonly refers to a blue gem variety of Corundum, but other coloured varieties of Corundum are also described as Sapphire, except red Corundum, which is better known as Ruby.
What’s the difference between fancy Sapphire and fancy Sapphire?
Sapphire is generally known as a blue gemstone but surprisingly it comes in a wide range of colors and quality variations. In general, the more intense and uniform the color is, the more valuable the stone. Sapphires that are not blue are known as fancy sapphires, and may be any color—except red (which is a ruby).