Sapphire
SAPPHIRE TECHNICAL DATA
|
Species------------------------Corundum
Chemical
Formula----------------Al2 O3
Birthstone
--------------------September
Anniversary
Stone---5th, 45th, 70th
*Mohs
Scale Hardness---------------#9
Durability
-----------------------Excellent
*Refractive
Index--------------1.76-1.78
*Specific
Gravity------------------3.98+/-
Significance
of these* data (FAQ # 5)
|
SAPPHIRE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
|
Color
|
Blue Sapphire ranges from nearly colorless to a
light cornflower blue through a fine rich blue to an inky blue-black to an
opaque black. Fancy colored sapphires can be any other color except
red. (Red corundum is Ruby).
|
|
Sources
|
Sapphire is found in most countries but the
majority of commercial production is from Southeast Asia, Australia, and
Africa.
|
|
Treatment
|
Sapphire is often heat-treated to improve it's
color. Recently colorless Sapphire has been diffused-treated with chemicals
producing a very rich looking color. Any damage or repolishing will remove the
treatment leaving a colorless stone. We do not carry diffused-treated stones
and strongly recommend that they should never be used.
|
|
Care
|
Unless highly included, Sapphire is very durable
but should not be subjected to extreme heat such as from a soldering torch,
which could cause the stone to change color. Extreme heat will probably crack
highly included Sapphires. Ultrasonic or steam cleaning is usually safe.
|
|
Lore
|
Sapphire, from a Latin word meaning "blue" when
first used denoted Lapis Lazuli and other opaque blue gemstones.
|
|
Uses
|
Sapphire is extremely durable and is suitable for
any type of jewelry.
|
|
Value
|
Colorless and black Sapphires have little value.
Light blue and very dark blue Sapphires have a moderate value. As blue
Sapphire approaches the rich, royal blue the value increases dramatically. Fancy
colored Sapphires also increase in value with the richness and purity of
the color.
|
RETURN TO SAPPHIRE
|