
SAPPHIRE
This dazzling gemstone has aptly secured a place a for itself in the genre of “Precious Stones.” Known to be included in the Corrundum group of minerals, that is minerals containing Aluminium oxide and some trace elements, Sapphires are principally famous for possessing a blue color. Surprisingly, this gemstone is also found in Purple, Yellow, Green and Orange hues.
While there are multiple sources of Sapphire which include, Tanzania, Madagascar, Australia and Thailand to say the least, Myanmar and Sri Lanka continue to remain the primary sources of this precious gemstone. The immensely rare Padparadscha Sapphire which derives its name from the Sanskrit words ‘Padma’ and ‘Ranga’ implying the rich color of Lotus Blossom is a prominent collectible due to the fact that its color ranges from Orange to Pink. Another noteworthy variety of this gemstone is the Star Sapphire which belongs to the phenomenal category of corundum. Befittingly called the Star Sapphire since it exhibits ‘Asterism’ or ‘star effect.’
Sapphire is said to be of the Best Clarity Grade when it is ‘eye-clean’ which is to say that no inclusions are visible to the naked eye. But not all inclusions degrade the authenticity of a sapphire. If a gemstone shows Carbon Dioxide fluid inclusions, it suggests that this particular gemstone has not been treated and is purely natural. Another notable inclusion which is said to add value to the gemstone is ‘Silk’ which is formed by rutile needles.
Gemstone