The Science Behind Blue Sapphire’s Stunning Color

The opulent, deep color of a blue sapphire is much more than a stunning sight to behold, it has kept gemstone lovers captivated for ages. But what gives the blue sapphire its distinct hue? Whether you are planning to buy blue sapphire stone for investment purposes or for astrological reasons, comprehending the reason behind its color will deepen your admiration for it. Moreover, if you are looking to buy genuine Neelam stones, understanding what the color of the stone depends on, will allow you to choose a better quality sapphire gemstone. 

1. The Contribution of Trace Elements

Sapphires are considered a subset of corundum (Al₂O₃). Despite being hailed as a stone, corundum in its purest form is actually colorless. However, its color can become altered with the presence of trace elements. A sapphire's blue color mainly owes to the aforementioned elements which are: 

  • Iron (Fe) and Titanium (Ti) – Together these two result in a deep shade of blue. 
  • Chromium (Cr) – Can add hints of violet to the stone.
  • Vanadium (V) – Sometimes influences subtle color changes.

2. Changes Effected by the Crystal Structure

The reason why light sapphire has different hues is due to the interaction of the light and the crystal lattice. Specific wavelengths are reflected and certain ones get absorbed when white light is incident upon a sapphire. This specific absorption is the primary reason behind the unique indigo-blue color found in premium quality sapphire gemstones

3. ''Color zoning'' in Sapphires

Sapphires larger than 2 cts have different shades of blue, this is referred to as color zoning and is commonly found in natural-based sapphires. This can be because of: 

  • Irregularities in the concentration of the trace element while the sapphire is forming. 
  • Capricious geological conditions that have an effect on the rate of growth of the entire sapphire crystal.
  • Feeble heating treatment that enhances or evens out the dimorphism of color spread. 

4. Effects of Heating Treatment on Sapphire Color

The majority of the sapphires found have had a form of treatment used on them to make their color and clarity more appealing. This method works in the following ways: 

  • Rutile silk inclusions dissolving to make transparency better.
  • The iron and titanium optimization interacting tinting differentiating factor for turning the blue sapphire to blue.
  • For closing color zoning, changing to reduce the unappealing zoning in color. 

Buy authentic Neelam stone, and make sure there is proof to verify the use of treatment in the sapphire stone, otherwise, it will not be authentic.

5. Natural And Lab Created Blue Sapphires

  • Both types of sapphires have the same chemical structure, differing only in how they formed.
  • Natural sapphires spend millions of years in the Earth’s crust undergoing intense temperature and pressure treatment under the Earth’s crust.
  • Sapphires created in a lab environment are made using the Verneuil process or hydrothermal growth which attempt to replicate the natural conditions of sapphires formation within a controlled environment.

6. Sapphire Appearance And Light Relations

A sapphire’s color can be different under different lighting prisms:

  • Daylight: Displays the deepest blue.
  • Incandescent Light: May show hints of strong purple or violet.
  • Fluorescent Light: Can brighten the sapphire.

When shopping for a blue sapphire stone, it’s important to know these lighting implications since you would want to check how the stone actually looks before paying for it.

7. Sapphire Color And Geography Relations

Sapphires normally get their color depending on where they come from. Common sources are:

  • Kashmir Sapphires – Renowned for their exquisite deep blue color which has a nonrevealing shade.
  • Burmese Sapphires – Deepest blue with a slight purple shade.
  • Ceylon (Sri Lankan) Sapphires – Brilliant and vivid blue color with deep color saturation and less transparency. 
  • Madagascar Sapphires – A combination of deep bluish color and light green color.

8. Aspects of Sapphire That Influence Its Quality

When you decide to buy a blue sapphire stone, you should consider the Four Cs:

  • Color: This is the most crucial component. Look for vibrant deep blue colors.
  • Clarity: Natural sapphires have inclusions, however too much severity to flaws would decrease value.
  • Cut: The level of brilliance and symmetry attained is influenced by the sapphire's cut.
  • Carat Weight: Rarity and value increase with larger sapphires.

9. Certification's Effect on Sapphire Verification

If you intend to shop for an authentic Neelam stone, you should always ask for certification from gemological institutes such as:

  • GIA (Gemological Institute of America)
  • IGI (International Gemological Institute)
  • AGS (American Gem Society)

Documents that account for the authenticity, origin, and treatments of a premium quality sapphire gemstone should always be accompanied by the stones.

10. The Importance of Sapphire Color in Astrology

The gemstone has color largely depends on its Neelam stone, which in Vedic Astrology is said to be governed by the powerful planet Saturn. A pure deep blue sapphire is said to bestow a multitude of astrological benefits, bestowing wealth and prosperity, mental clarity and focus, and protection from negative energies.

Choosing a high-quality premium quality sapphire gemstone is said to endow the one wearing it with maximum benefits.

Conclusion

The sapphire’s striking blue color comes from nature’s complex chemical processes, mineral contents, and light inter-reflections. When purchasing blue sapphire stone, having knowledge of these scientific factors makes it easier to select a real and valuable gemstone. Always purchase authentic Neelam stone from accredited vendors and check the certificates so that you know you are buying a quality sapphire gemstone.


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