Color Change Sapphire Gemstone Information

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Color change sapphire is an exceptionally rare, fancy variety of corundum which exhibits the unique ability to change color when viewed under different light sources. Although blue is the most common color, color change sapphire can occur in a range of other colors, including greenish, yellowish, pinkish and violet-purple, depending on the coloring agents within the specific stone. Typically, most color change sapphire shifts from blue under natural daylight to a violet-purple under incandescent light. Fine top grade color change sapphire can exhibit quite a noticeable and dramatic color change, but most material will only partially shift from blue to bluish-purple.

In order to truly appreciate color change sapphire, specimens should be observed under different lighting conditions, including early morning daylight, late afternoon daylight, fluorescent light and incandescent light. The unique and rare ability to color change occurs only in rare sapphire that forms with two light transmission windows rather than one. For example, a red gemstone appears red because it absorbs all frequencies of light except for red, but a gemstone that absorbs all frequencies of light except for blue and red appears blue when the light is rich in blue wavelengths, and red when the light source is rich in red wavelengths. Fluorescent light is rich in blue, whereas incandescent is rich in red. Natural daylight is well-balanced, which is why color change sapphire is best viewed under natural daylight.

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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.

Color Change Sapphire Color

Fancy color change sapphire changes hue based on the source of light. The most common color shift is from blue (daylight) to bluish-purple (incandescent light), but various other color combinations are possible. Blue sapphire is colored by iron and titanium. Violet colors are owed to traces of vanadium. Iron impurities result in yellowish and greenish colored stones. Chromium is responsible for pink, while iron and vanadium combined tend to produce orange to golden stones.

Color Change Sapphire Clarity and Luster

Unlike ruby, color change sapphire typically occurs with excellent transparency and with very few inclusions, so it is often eye-clean. Most color change sapphire gemstones are quite small, but larger stones can be found with excellent clarity. Like all sapphire, color change sapphire has an attractive vitreous (glass-like) luster once cut and polished.

Color Change Sapphire Cut and Shape

Color change sapphire is typically faceted to maximize its color shift ability. Color change sapphire is available in a variety of different cuts and shapes, however, ovals, rounds and cushions are most popular since they correspond with the typical shape of sapphire rough. Color change sapphire is not often cut en cabochon since faceting maximizes color change effects.

Color Change Sapphire Treatment

Most sapphire is enhanced by heating. Typically, before it is cut, it is heated to between 1700 and 1800 degrees Celsius (3100-3300 degrees F). Although it is not common for color change sapphire, some stones may be diffused or fracture-filled. Unheated and untreated color change sapphire is very rare, but not unheard of.

Please refer to our Gemstone Glossary for details of gemology-related terms.

Blue Star Sapphire

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.

Most Popular Similar or Related Gemstone Trade Names:

Red ruby, blue sapphire, star sapphire, star ruby, yellow sapphire, golden sapphire, orange sapphire, green sapphire, white sapphire, pink sapphire and purple sapphire are some of the most popular similar or related gemstone trade names.

Lesser-Known Similar or Related Gemstone Trade Names:

Padparadscha sapphire, Ceylon sapphire, Kashmir sapphire, cornflower blue sapphire, Pailin sapphire and black sapphire are some of the lesser-known trade names for similar or related gemstones.

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.

Fancy color change sapphire can be cleaned using a soft cloth or brush and plain warm soapy water. After wiping, be sure to rinse your fancy sapphire well to remove all soapy residue. Sapphire can change color under extreme heat, so avoid extreme temperature fluctuations. Also avoid the use of any harsh household chemicals and cleaners, including bleach or hydrofluoric acid, as chemicals can cause corrosion.

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.