Since color change sapphire is corundum, it is the second hardest mineral on earth next to diamond. Owing to its superior hardness, color change sapphire is almost unmistakable despite there being many gems that can appear similar in color and luster. As with all sapphire, fancy color change sapphire has a specific gravity of 4.00, a refractive index ranging from 1.76 to 1.78 and a birefringence of 0.008. Color change sapphire belongs to the trigonal crystal system, structured with three planes of symmetry and four axes. The exact crystal form depends on the variety and origin. Color change sapphire has no real cleavage, but it may have a conchoidal or uneven fracture. Fancy color change sapphire is mined from locations around the world, including Thailand, Sri Lanka (Ceylon), Cambodia, Tanzania, Nigeria, Kenya, Madagascar, Tanzania, Australia, China and the USA. Sri Lanka (Ceylon) and Madagascar are the leading producers of fine sapphire today. Sapphire from the Kashmir region of India, the Pailin region of Cambodia, Burma (Myanmar) and Sri Lanka (Ceylon) is considered the most valuable.
Please refer to our Gemstone Glossary for details of gemology-related terms.
Color change sapphire is an extremely rare gemstone-quality aluminum oxide. The name 'sapphire' can be used to refer to any color of gem quality corundum except for red. Red corundum is distinctly traded as ruby and has been since times of antiquity. Since sapphire can be found in areas all around the world and because it occurs in a variety of colors, several gems can be easily mistaken for sapphire, including zircon, spinel, tourmaline, topaz and even diamond. However, owing to its distinct hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, natural sapphire can be easily distinguished from other gems.
Sapphire is known as a stone of wisdom and serenity. Fancy color change sapphire can be used to release mental tension and relieve depression. It can also help enhance meditation by calming the mind. For centuries, all sapphire has represented the heavens, innocence and truth. Color change sapphire can benefit many chakras, as a result of its various colors. Depending on the color, sapphire can be the zodiac stone of Taurus, Virgo, Libra, Sagittarius or Gemini. It is especially connected with the element of water and is also the planetary stone of Saturn. Since ancient times, sapphire has been a symbol of truth, sincerity and faithfulness. It is a gem believed to bring peace, joy and wisdom to those who wear it. In the past, sapphire was used as a powerful talisman for protecting travelers, adventurers and seekers. In fact, it was thought to be so powerful that it could continue protecting the original wearer of the talisman even after was passed on to another person. Abbes Hildegard von Bingen (1098-1179) chronicled the healing powers of gemstones in her book 'Physica'. According to her view, gemstones are formed through the powerful combination of water and fire, therefore they held powers corresponding to these phenomena. She also believed that each stone had a certain, divine blessing from God. She said this about sapphire: "Who is dull and would like to be clever, should, in a sober state, frequently lick with the tongue on a sapphire, because the gemstone's warmth and power, combined with the saliva's moisture, will expel the harmful juices that affect the intellect. Thus, the man will attain a good intellect."
Color change sapphire is perfectly suitable for any type of jewelry application. It is especially ideal for everyday rings, due to its extreme hardness and durable nature. Sapphire jewelry looks best under natural daylight or fluorescent lighting, rather than incandescent light. Lighter color change sapphire is best for exhibiting brilliance, whereas darker stones are more valued for their deep color. Color change sapphire is typically used for high-end jewelry, rather than mainstream or commercial jewelry, particularly owing to its extreme rarity and high price per carat. Sapphire is one of the 'precious four' gems, which also includes red ruby, green emerald and fine diamond. Sapphire is one of the few varieties of colored gemstones that is easily available and often found in local retail jewelry stores. Next to diamond, sapphire is one of the most popular gems of today and can be found in just about every design from exquisite brooches, pins, pendants, rings and necklaces to classic and simple designs such as sapphire studs or earrings. Note: Buy colored gemstones by size and not by carat weight. Colored stones vary in size-to-weight ratio. Some stones are larger and others are smaller than diamond by weight in comparison.
Like all sapphire, color change sapphire is quite durable, but it is still recommended that any jewelry be removed before engaging in vigorous physical activities, especially when exercising or playing sports. When removing jewelry, do not pull from the stone as this can weaken prongs, eventually leading to a lost stone. When storing color change sapphire gemstones, wrap them in a soft cloth or place them inside a fabric-lined jewelry box. |
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Gems are always measured in Millimeter (mm) Dimensions are given as; Select gems by size, not by weight! Note: 1ct = 0.2g ![]() |