Sapphire purity: color classification, characteristics, cost

Physical properties

These precious minerals, which nature generously colors in a wide variety of shades, really consist only of virtues. Science explains the amazing variety of colors by the chemical composition of the crystal. On the Mohs scale, the strength of sapphire is rated nine, second only to diamond. The transparency of the crystal ranges from zero to complete. But the glass shine of this precious variety of corundum invariably remains noble. The cleavage of the mineral is imaginary, and the density is indicated by the value 4.00 g/cm³.

Raw sapphire

Stone purity table

A table was compiled to determine the purity of the azure yacht.

This table will help the average person determine the category of a gem and its approximate cost. After all, the lower the purity of the sapphire, the lower its price.

Medicinal qualities

Healers and lithotherapists claim that natural sapphire crystals affect the human energy field, curing headaches, depression, diabetes, dysfunction of the joints and help with paralysis and asthma, women's diseases, and have a good effect on the lungs.

1. A pendant with this stone, located in the heart area, has a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system, relieving arrhythmia.
2. Water charged with a sapphire stone at sunrise alleviates the condition of patients with kidney and urinary system diseases.
3. To treat abscesses, ulcers, boils and similar problems, sapphires are worn as close to the skin as possible.
4. Crystal in silver relieves problems with the spine and relieves attacks of rheumatic pain.
5. By holding a pebble in cold, clean water for just a few seconds and applying it to your eye, you will receive an amazing remedy for relieving tension in the optic nerve.

Healing and magical properties of the stone

Astrologers and esotericists are confident that a beautiful gem has a magical effect. It is recommended to give jewelry with such a stone to your significant other, wanting to preserve sincere love for many years. The power of the talisman will help lovers find mutual understanding and protect themselves from quarrels.

Shamans are confident that the power of the mineral helps a person communicate with the spirits of deceased relatives. Thanks to magical energy, you can communicate with otherworldly forces and ask questions.

There is an opinion that a beautiful blue-blue stone is able to protect its owner from the evil eye. Sapphire inserts are often found in luxurious crowns and other jewelry worn by members of royal families. To enhance the power of the stone, it was placed in an exquisite gold base.

The healing properties of the stone are also highlighted. They are believed to help relieve:

• back pain;
• the course of diseases of the kidneys and genitourinary system;
• condition for heart disease.

Sapphire jewelry is recommended for people who suffer from asthma, diabetes and insomnia.

The magic of sapphires

The vibrational energies of sapphire crystals have a powerful protective effect, not only protecting their owners from negativity, but sometimes even transforming negative influences into positive ones. In addition, this mineral gives peace and encourages contemplation. An amazing stone can bring out the best positive qualities in a person, awaken curiosity, make him more decisive, kind, and even help restore muscles.

One of the unique magical properties of sapphire is its ability to neutralize poisons in food. For women, this stone is considered a talisman of chastity and feminine virtue.

Treated sapphire

Who is it suitable for?

Firstly, the crystal clear, iridescent color successfully fits into all social evenings and is ideal for special occasions and receptions.

Regarding the color type, it will be perfect for “winter” people, as it will emphasize their brightness and contrast.

But as for the rest, it’s worth thinking about and being more careful.

The main thing is that when choosing a tandem, always make a color accent on the second tone, and save the sapphire one as an “additional” or distracting one (through accessories, handbags or shoes).

What types of sapphires are there?

With all the color variety, sapphires also differ in four main indicators - this is the so-called rule of four “Cs”. This includes:

1. Color.
2. Cleanliness (Clariti).
3. Cut.
4. Weight (Carat).

Based on these values, the price of the stone is calculated. The classic color of corundum is blue. Other sapphires (and there are about 2000 of them) are usually called fancy sapphires. The color of the mineral also changes when exposed to X-rays or high temperatures.

• Blue. The most valuable are Kashmiri crystals, medium blue in color, as if shrouded in a foggy haze. Crystals from the state of Burma are rare and alluring stones of two shades: from the color that is commonly called midnight blue to samples of bright cornflower blue color. Stones from Sri Lanka are popular and of excellent quality. Among them are many valuable samples of high carat weight. Brazil also surprises us with the diversity of the palette of this mineral, among which there is blue. The Australian deposits are blue-black, while the Ural deposits are gray-blue.
• Green. Crystals of this color are quite rare. The most beautiful of them are given to us by the deposits of Sri Lanka, the rest are found in Thailand, Australia, Madagascar and the Kola Peninsula in Russia. Shades of green sapphires can have a yellow tint, soft olive, green-blue and iridescent sea green. Their price, compared to other sapphires, is quite low.
• Star-shaped. Dark sapphires are mesmerizing with their charm, having the effect of asterism, which we see in the outlines of a six- or twelve-rayed star flickering on the crystal. It is customary to process such stones exclusively using the cabochon technique, which emphasizes the mystical beauty of the mineral. A large number of star sapphires are mined in Thailand, near the town of Tamai, as well as in Australia and Africa. The Queensland Black Star is the most famous star sapphire.
• Yellow. Relatively inexpensive, but surprisingly beautiful, yellow sapphire belongs to the fantasy category. They can be a soft pastel shade and, conversely, very intensely colored. The weight of such stones is usually no more than 20 carats, which does not at all detract from their energetic impact. Yellow sapphires are mined in Brazil, Tanzania, Burma, America, Thailand, China and Madagascar. The overwhelming number of sapphires of this color are found in deposits in Sri Lanka.
• White. Sapphire, considered white, is actually colorless, visually resembles a diamond and is even often adjacent to it in products. This is pure aluminum oxide. The mineral does not contain impurities, which provide a variety of shades to other types of corundum. The main deposits of white sapphires are located in Australia, Thailand, China, Brazil and America.
• Blue. This shade of stone is considered one of the rarest. Delicate, a little cold. Similar crystals are mined in India, Sri Lanka and Australia. The stone itself is clean and transparent, not as dark as a classic-colored sapphire. It is customary to frame this look with gold and platinum.
• Violet. The purple tone of sapphire is violet. Its variations can vary from purple-pink to blue-violet. More recently, this stone was mistakenly called oriental amethyst. The purple-colored mineral usually does not exceed 10 carats. Such sapphires are mined in Australia, a small part is supplied by the state of South Wales. In America, Montana, in the Yogo deposit, amazing examples of purple sapphire are also found, which do not change their color even under artificial light.
• Pink. The second purple shade of the mineral is pink. These are currently popular stones, the price of which is constantly increasing. It is pink jewelry that is usually given to loved ones on Valentine’s Day as a stone that magically awakens tenderness. These corundums are from deposits in Sri Lanka and Indochina. Pink sapphires from a new development site - Madagascar - are slightly cheaper in price.
• Padparadscha. There are sapphires of an unusual pink-orange color, which appears under a certain play of light. They are called "padparadscha", which translates as 'lotus flower'. This is a rare and expensive stone.
• Red sapphire is called ruby. This is the same mineral with the same formula. However, the magic of his energy is still a little different. This is by no means a pacifying stone; rather, it can be called one that kindles the flames of passions!
• Alexandrite. There are also special, simply extraordinary sapphires. These crystals are able to change their color depending on the lighting. This type of mineral is called alexandrite sapphire. They are mined in Tanzania and Australia.
• Declassed sapphire. The modern jewelry industry has a number of technologies that enhance or change the color of inexpensive natural corundum samples. One such method is diffusion. Thus, as a result of crystal refining, iron oxide gives a blue color, iron and nickel - red and orange, and titanium - asterism. This is legal, and the mineral remains natural. But sapphires that have undergone diffuse processing are lower in price. Therefore, the label of such a product should be marked “decl.”, which means “declassed”.

Silver bracelet with sapphires

Precious blue

The sapphire shade, as you might guess, gets its name from a precious mineral actively used in jewelry. It fits well into the color range of other “stone” colors of clothing - emerald, ruby, agate, malachite and others. It is often called a qualifying term – “blue sapphire”. And this is not without reason. Sapphire in nature has other shades, including the rare yellow. An outfit of this spectacular color is a great way for any girl to loudly make herself known to others by creating extremely noble and completely individual stylistic compositions. It will emphasize the grace, sophistication and independence of its owner.

To highlight a sapphire-colored garment and give it the proper “weight,” it is necessary to create the right color combinations. A duet with representatives of the gray and beige palette is considered a classic and extremely harmonious combination. A pale lemon shade will look no less interesting in combination with the noble blue of the gemstone. For example, a medium-length sapphire-colored knitted dress can be successfully combined with an egg yolk-colored belt. He also looks wonderful in the company of an expressive orange hue. For orange skinny trousers, you can choose an informal sapphire blazer made of corduroy or suede.

Talismans and amulets

Natural sapphire stone can become a wonderful talisman or amulet. It should be understood that a talisman is an object, a decoration that, with its energy flow, carries the owner in the direction of good luck. And amulets can serve both as amulets and create positive energy of advancement to solve a specific problem.

Thus, a sapphire talisman encourages the owner to do good and bright deeds, develops interest in the unknown, helps achieve his plans, and imparts peace and justice. A sapphire amulet protects from fear, evil people, can save a person from bad habits or ignite passion in a loved one. Much depends on the color of the stone and the task being set. Sapphires also have the ability to reveal the carrier of dark energy. Star sapphires have a special power, that is, they have the effect of asterism.

It is believed that sapphire is not contraindicated for all zodiac signs except Capricorn.

Color

In the photo: sapphire shade “Royal Blue”
First of all, the beauty of sapphires is influenced by their color. “Classic” sapphires are characterized by the following colors: blue, blue, and also blue with a violet or greenish tint. The best specimens have a bright blue color without additional shades. In international trade, there are two commercial colors: royal blue and cornflower blue. “Royal” “Royal Blue” is considered one of the most expensive. This is the best color for the Asian market, where there is no shortage of sun at almost any time of the year. In Russia, “royal” colored sapphires are loved to a lesser extent by gemstone connoisseurs, because... Due to the small amount of light outdoors (or indoors), they will often appear almost black. Therefore, it is preferable to choose lighter colors. For example, in Russia the color “Cornflower Blue” always looks great, i.e. “cornflower blue” sapphires, whose color resembles cornflower petals. It is also one of the most expensive flowers. “Cornflower blue” specimens are characterized by the presence of “silkyness” and a slight glow from within. This is due to the content of a large number of whitish needle-shaped rutile inclusions, which reflect light. Unrefined cornflower blue sapphires mined in Kashmir are considered the most expensive in the world.

In Russia, in inexpensive jewelry you can usually find dark, almost black sapphires, which are the cheapest. Such stones cannot be compared with the best blue and velvet blue. Samples that are too light are also of less value. Some may have a color changing effect. For example, a sapphire may appear blue in daylight, but purple in incandescent light.

In the photo: sapphires of rich color (left) and very dark ones (right)

When choosing sapphires, you should pay attention to the color distribution in the stone. Many sapphires are characterized by the presence of color zoning, which manifests itself in the form of alternating light and dark stripes in the stone, located at an angle of 120 degrees. Coloring can also be distributed in spots. When cutting sapphires, their zonality is usually taken into account, and the stone is oriented so that the zonality is less noticeable when viewed from the “platform” of the stone (its “face”).

“Practical advice. How to choose a sapphire that will not lose value over time? The most important thing when choosing is to evaluate the color; you should like it. It is best viewed in different types of lighting: daylight outside or near a window, and under various lamps. Keep in mind that under some white-light fluorescent lamps, blue or cyan sapphires may have an invisible purple tint, which reduces their value. Also pay attention to how light or dark the stone is, its saturation, and whether zoning is visible from the side of the site. If the sapphire seems dark, or even slightly dark, then keep in mind that in low light it will already appear almost black and will not “play” well. Sapphires look best in daylight. Choose bright stones.”

How to distinguish a fake?

1. The color of corundum is blue or cornflower blue. Although crystals can be purple, yellow, pink, green, orange, red. Or they can be completely colorless. But any sapphires of noble quality visually look as aesthetically pleasing as possible.
2. Treatment. You should definitely ask what kind of treatment the stone was subjected to. In widespread use, it is a method of heating a stone to its maximum temperature. This brings out the color of the crystal, giving it optimal brightness and evenness of color. So, only sapphire of a decent level of four “C” can withstand heat treatment. If the crystal is artificial, the processing will most likely show streaks on its surface.
3. Ultraviolet. After heat treatment, a natural sapphire crystal placed under ultraviolet rays will begin to produce white reflections. Artificial - green in color.
4. Sapphire "with a star". When purchasing a sapphire with an asterism effect, you should pay attention to the mobility of the star’s rays. For natural corundum, rotation will show the movement of the rays. For artificial ones, their central position will not change.
5. Blotches and inclusions. Under the magnifying glass of a microscope, natural stone will definitely show natural inclusions. But in a high-quality natural mineral they should be visible only under optical magnification. There is an option that the stone is natural, but inclusions are visible to the naked eye. The price of such a stone cannot be high. Artificial sapphire will not show inclusions at all.
6. Inclusion bands on a mineral. If the stone is lowered into clear water in a transparent container and placed on a sheet of white paper, and then light is directed at it from the side, the inclusion stripes of the natural crystal will be located straight. In artificial ones they will be curved. In addition, a natural sample is much heavier and will quickly sink in a container. A fake is unlikely to sink to the bottom at all.
7. Damage. Corundum is a very hard stone. Therefore, if you try to apply any scratches to the crystal, the natural origin of the mineral will not allow you to do this. And artificial, accordingly, will allow.
8. Doublet. Some craftsmen have adapted to gluing stones by combining a plate of real sapphire at the top and an artificial one at the bottom. Optics will also help you see the connection line.
9. Place of sale. Important advice: you need to carefully choose where you buy. Let it be a store with a good reputation.

Ring and earrings with sapphires

Sapphire and zodiac signs

Sapphire is an ambiguous stone that is compatible with most zodiac signs; it has a strong effect on some of them, and not so much on others:

• For Fiery Aries and Leos , sapphire will reduce their temper, making them more restrained and balanced. He will also help them find their path in life, step into it confidently and achieve some success. For Sagittarius , whose element is also fire, sapphire is energetically ideal. Ladies born under this sign, thanks to the stone, will increase their attractiveness, charm and charm many times over, they will become more seductive in the eyes of men and will learn to take advantage of the advantages of their appearance given to them by nature. For Sagittarius men, sapphire will strengthen the inner core, replenish masculine strength, add courage, determination and self-confidence. They will easily be able to overcome those obstacles that only yesterday seemed insurmountable to them.
• Despite its beautiful blue color, which could symbolize water, sapphire does not have any significant influence on water signs. For Pisces, the stone will become a decoration that improves mood and brings pleasure from contemplating its beauty. Scorpios from negative energy (evil eyes, curses, other messages from envious people and ill-wishers), and Cancers to quickly improve their health.
• Sapphire has an ambiguous effect on representatives of air signs, but always positively. Libra will enjoy wearing jewelry inlaid with blue corundum, which will have a positive effect on their mental and emotional state. For Aquarius, the stone will help them take their rightful place in the sun. They will learn to speak beautifully, clearly expressing their thoughts, which will win the respect of the people around them. These newly discovered abilities will make it easier for Aquarius to climb the career ladder. Geminis , sapphire will help get rid of stress, depression and despondency, and for male Geminis it will help to make new acquaintances and establish strong friendships.
• Sapphire is not very fond of zodiac signs from the earth element, and is completely contraindicated for one of them. We are talking about Capricorn , in which the stone will enhance stubbornness and indisputability, adding intractability and isolation. In addition, Capricorn will begin to get tired faster and feel energetically drained. On Taurus and Virgo, the stone generally has a positive effect, but its influence is insignificant. The first one will help you achieve your goals, but only if you have self-confidence; the second one will improve your communication skills.

Thus, sapphire is a mysterious, miraculous and very multifaceted stone, enchanting with its beauty and amazing with the number of magical and healing properties.

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How to care?

Sapphire is a stone that appreciates proper care.

• If it gets dirty, you should wash it with a regular toothbrush dipped in a soap solution to which a drop of ammonia has been added. Then rinse with running water and polish with a soft cloth.
• Ultrasound and steam treatment clean the mineral well.
• In addition, the products must be regularly shown to a jeweler, who can perform a routine inspection of the jewelry and clean the stone professionally.

Take care of your stone, and it will delight you with its radiance and beneficial effects for many years.

History of the gem

The gemstone belongs to corundum. In its hardness it is second only to diamond. Sapphire is essentially aluminum oxide that combines with other chemical elements. The resulting color depends on the combinations obtained.

Today on the jewelry market there are stones that are mined in different parts of the planet.

• India presents the world with the most expensive minerals, valued for their rare cornflower blue hue. They are mined in the small town of Kashmir.
• Burma is a supplier of blue and light blue gems to the world market.
• The island country of Sri Lanka delights connoisseurs of beauty with expensive blue sapphires, which are called “Ceylon”.
• In Australia, gems are also mined, but their quality is an order of magnitude inferior to other specimens.
• On the Kola Peninsula, located on the territory of the Russian Federation, beautiful and expensive deep blue sapphires are mined.

How and with what to wear

If we talk about sapphire in general, it is best to wear it in a way that creates contrast. The play of key blue gradients also gives many interesting solutions and emphasizes nobility.

It is difficult to imagine such a color in a sporty casual style, since it contains a lot of luxury and high cost. However, it should be understood that the wrong combination can “kill” beauty and make the look tasteless and vulgar.

The tone is appropriate for different types of things: blouse, dress, jacket, outerwear (coats, jackets).

The sets are very suitable for romantic dates, walks or for a resort holiday. Sets in a nautical style look very light and original. For example, with the inclusion of a stripe pattern.

Don’t be afraid to experiment, especially since sapphire, in the absence of decoration and unnecessary patterns, will become an excellent base and will be easily combined with any shades.