Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary reason for the high value of fine-quality blue sapphires?
What is the primary reason for the high value of fine-quality blue sapphires?
Which country is a significant source of fine-quality blue sapphires?
Which country is a significant source of fine-quality blue sapphires?
What is the term used to describe the finest blue sapphires?
What is the term used to describe the finest blue sapphires?
What causes the blue color of sapphire?
What causes the blue color of sapphire?
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What is the characteristic of Yogo Gulch sapphires?
What is the characteristic of Yogo Gulch sapphires?
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Why are cutters concerned about color zoning in sapphires?
Why are cutters concerned about color zoning in sapphires?
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What is the primary purpose of heat treatment in blue sapphires?
What is the primary purpose of heat treatment in blue sapphires?
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Which country is a major source of dark blue, commercial-quality sapphires?
Which country is a major source of dark blue, commercial-quality sapphires?
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What is the significance of Kashmir sapphires in the market?
What is the significance of Kashmir sapphires in the market?
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What country is the number one consumer of blue sapphire?
What country is the number one consumer of blue sapphire?
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High levels of iron make basalt-related sapphires more what ?
High levels of iron make basalt-related sapphires more what ?
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Heat treated geuda and dhun sapphires make up a significant part of what area of the market?
Heat treated geuda and dhun sapphires make up a significant part of what area of the market?
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Who is the leading exported of blue sapphire to the US by volume and value ?
Who is the leading exported of blue sapphire to the US by volume and value ?
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Most common Synthesis method of blue sapphire ?
Most common Synthesis method of blue sapphire ?
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What is the trade term used for blue corundum ?
What is the trade term used for blue corundum ?
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Study Notes
Blue Sapphire Overview
- Fine-quality, untreated blue sapphires make up a small but extremely valuable segment of the sapphire market.
- Blue sapphire is one of the most popular colored stones, especially in the US.
Sources of Blue Sapphires
- Madagascar has become a significant source of good- to fine-quality blue sapphire.
- Most fine sapphires over 100 carats are from Sri Lanka.
- Australia is one of the world’s major sources of dark blue, commercial-quality sapphires.
- Yogo Gulch sapphires are characterized by small size and saturated blue color.
Color and Quality
- The most highly valued blue sapphires are velvety blue to violetish blue, in medium to medium-dark tones, with strong to vivid saturation.
- The trade term “Kashmir” refers to what many consider the finest blue sapphires.
Formation and Characteristics
- The trace elements iron and titanium cause the blue of sapphire.
- Higher levels of iron make basalt-related sapphires darker than non-basaltic sapphires.
- Cutters must consider color zoning, a common sapphire characteristic.
Treatment and Market
- Most blue sapphires are heat-treated to improve their appearance.
- Heat-treated geuda and dhun make up a significant portion of the commercial-quality blue sapphire market.
- Thailand is a major center of the corundum trade, funneling a steady flow of gems from worldwide sources into the consumer market.
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Description
Test your knowledge about blue sapphire, its market value, sources, and characteristics. Learn about the most highly valued blue sapphires and their properties.
