Sapphire - Fancy Colored
COLORED SAPPHIRE TECHNICAL DATA
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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)
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COLORED SAPPHIRE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
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Color
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Fancy Colored Sapphires refer to any Sapphire
other than blue and range from near colorless to a fine, rich intensity.
Although red Corundum is referred to as Ruby, the lighter red stones are
called Pink Sapphires. Other popular colors are Golden and Ceylon Light Blue.
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Sources
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Most Fancy Colored Sapphires are found in Sri
Lanka (formerly Ceylon). There is a small production from Africa.
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Treatment
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Fancy Colored Sapphires are not normally treated.
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Care
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Unless highly included, any 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.
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Uses
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Sapphire is extremely durable and is suitable for
any type of jewelry.
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Value
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Colorless and black Sapphires have little value.
Light or very dark Colored Sapphires have a moderate value. As Colored
Sapphires approach a pure, rich color the value increases dramatically.
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RETURN TO
FANCY COLORED SAPPHIRES
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