Sapphire Guide - Colors, Sources, and Value

Sapphire, the blue variety of corundum, is one of the "Big Three" precious gemstones alongside ruby and emerald. This comprehensive guide covers sapphire formation, sources, colors, and value factors.

The Sapphire Family

While blue is the classic color, sapphires come in every rainbow color. Red corundum is ruby; all other colors are sapphire:

• Padparadscha: Rare pinkish-orange found almost exclusively in Sri Lanka
• Yellow Sapphire: Golden to lemon yellow, popular for astrological purposes
• Pink Sapphire: Light to medium pink, increasing in popularity
• White Sapphire: Colorless, used as diamond alternative
• Color-Change Sapphire: Blue to purple color change under different light

Properties

Ceylon Sapphires: Sri Lankan sapphires are world-renowned for exceptional clarity, vibrant colors, and fine rutile silk that can produce asterism when cut as cabochons.