A Complete Guide to Sapphire Colours

Sapphires captivate as a fascinating category of gemstones – with their rich history, importance as part of the “Big 4” gemstones, and the kaleidoscope of colours that they occur in. These September birthstones boast a diverse palette of colours that mirrors a rainbow, each hue telling a unique tale of geological alchemy. It is the subtle dance of trace elements within each sapphire's crystalline structure that orchestrates this chromatic brilliance – from the fiery reds and sunset oranges to the tranquil greens and regal purples.

As we delve into the spectrum of sapphire hues, the secret behind their colours unfolds. The presence of distinct trace elements, such as iron, titanium, and chromium, paints the canvas of these gemstones, giving rise to a kaleidoscope of shades. The interplay of these elements not only creates a visual feast for the eyes but also determines the intrinsic value of each sapphire. Join us on a journey where the science of colours becomes a poetic narrative, revealing the magic that transforms sapphires into radiant works of art and jewellery such as sapphire rings or pendants.

Studying Colour in Sapphires

Colour in sapphires transcends mere visual appeal; it involves a nuanced understanding of 3 key aspects: hue, tone, and saturation:

• Hue: The hue of a sapphire refers to its dominant colour. For instance, when we think of blue coloured sapphires, we imagine a rich, deep blue color reminiscent of a clear summer sky. The dominant colours in sapphires can include red, yellow, green, purple, and more.
• Tone: Tone defines the lightness or darkness of a sapphire's colour. Picture a gradient from the faintest whisper of color (white) to an intense, saturated shade (black). A well-balanced tone ensures that the sapphire exudes a vivid, yet not overly dark, brilliance.
• Saturation: Saturation measures the intensity or vividness of a sapphire's color. It's what sets apart a dazzling, vibrant gem from one that might appear dull or overly subdued. In the context of sapphires, high saturation is often sought after, as it enhances the gem's visual impact.

The Role of Trace Elements: Creators of Colour

In the intricate artistry of gemstone formation, trace elements, which are chemical elements present in minute concentrations, emerge as masterful artisans shaping the captivating colors of sapphires. These trace elements, though minuscule in presence, wield profound impact on the colour of sapphires - becoming integral components and inclusions trapped within the crystal lattice during the sapphire's formation. It is this harmonious blend of elemental choreography that determines the gem's final color, transforming each sapphire into a unique expression of nature's palette.

Among these trace elements, titanium takes centre stage, infusing sapphires with the iconic blue hue that most are familiar with. The concentration of titanium becomes a crucial factor, orchestrating the transition from a delicate, cornflower blue to a luxurious, midnight velvet. Iron is another key trace element in sapphires, responsible for introducing a spectrum of colors that includes the warm tones of yellow and the cool shades of green to a sapphire. Further, chromium, is responsible for producing the deep reds of a ruby, and also the spectrum of pink shades in pink sapphires.

So, in the quiet depths of sapphire formation, these trace elements become the invisible artists, infusing each gemstone with life and character. The dance of titanium, iron, and chromium within the crystalline structure defines not only the colour spectrum but also the individuality and allure of each sapphire, making them not just gems but exquisite masterpieces of nature's craftsmanship.

List of Sapphire Colours

In general, sapphires are composed of the mineral Corundum, and Corundum occurs in a range of different colours – owing to the different trace elements present within their crystals. The following is a non-exhaustive list of some of the most popular types of sapphire colours:

• Blue Sapphires: Blue sapphires, ranging from cornflower blues to a deep royal blue color, remain the epitome of sapphire elegance. The presence of titanium creates a stunning spectrum of blue colours within these gemstones. Typically found in various locations worldwide, notable sources include Ceylon (Sri Lanka), Burma (Myanmar), and Kashmir.

Blue Sapphires occur in a range of blue tones

• Pink Sapphires: Pink sapphires, with hues ranging from delicate rose to vibrant magenta, captivate with their rarity and romantic appeal. Chromium and iron contribute to the enchanting pinks seen in these gems. Primary sources include Ceylon (Sri Lanka), Madagascar, and Burma (Myanmar).

Pink Sapphires can exhibit pale to deep and intense pink hues

• Yellow Sapphires: Yellow sapphires, spanning from light lemon to intense gold, emanate warmth and joy. Iron introduces a spectrum of yellow and green tones, providing a broad array of choices for jewelry enthusiasts. Popular sources of yellow sapphires include Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Madagascar.

Yellow Sapphires occur in a range of canary shades

• Green Sapphires: Green sapphires, with iron in the mix, display various shades from light pastels to deep forest greens. Their unique coloration sets them apart, appealing to those seeking a distinctive gemstone. Notable sources include Sri Lanka, Madagascar, and Thailand. Green sapphires are classified based on their color intensity, with distinct categories for pastel greens and deep greens.
• Purple & Violet Sapphires: Purple and violet sapphires, marrying the regality of purple with the allure of sapphires, offer a spectrum of hues ranging from lavender to rich and deep purples. These captivating colors, influenced by trace elements such as iron, are found in primary sources like Madagascar, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, and more.
• Colourless or White Sapphires: Colorless sapphires, often referred to as white sapphires, represent the clear variety of corundum. Their captivating brilliance appeals to those seeking a classic and versatile gemstone for their jewellery like sapphire rings. Frequently utilised as affordable alternatives to diamonds, colorless or white sapphires are also embraced in astrology for their unique properties and symbolism.
• Padparadscha Sapphires: Padparadscha sapphires, named after the lotus flower, showcase a delicate blend of pink and orange. These rare gems, influenced by trace elements like chromium and iron, are highly prized for their unique and enchanting colors. Padparadschas, with their distinctive pink-orange blend, are exceedingly rare, generally occur in smaller carat weights, and often command a high value premium. Sri Lanka and Madagascar are primary sources for these gems.

Padparadschas are an extremely rare, orange-pink variety of sapphires

• Bi-Colour or Parti Sapphires: These unique sapphires, featuring two distinct hues within a single crystal, present an extraordinary visual display. The enchanting world of bi-color sapphires includes the ‘Pitambari’ – which exhibits a combination of blue and yellow colours. Other remarkable examples include the violet-blue sapphire gemstone, often referred to as the 'Indraneelam' which prominently displays a bluish hue with enchanting overtones of violet color. Each variant offers a distinctive and dynamic choice, allowing for endless creativity in jewelry design.

Bi-colour sapphires exhibit 2 colours within a single stone

• Ruby (Red Sapphires): On an atomic level, rubies are essentially sapphires that are red in colour. Rubies have historically epitomized timeless allure with their rich, vibrant color – often symbolizing passion and vitality. Distinguished by their intense reds, rubies derive their fiery brilliance from chromium. Coveted for their intense red shades, often described as the pigeon’s blood red, the most sought-after rubies originate from regions like Myanmar, Thailand, and Mozambique, holding a special place in the world of gemstones for their fiery elegance and lasting appeal in exquisite jewelry.
• Special Mention - Star Sapphires: Star sapphires, a captivating variety of cabochon sapphires, display an enchanting optical phenomenon called asterism, creating the illusion of a trapped star within the gem. This asterism is caused by rutile inclusions within the sapphires, resulting in a dancing star that shifts with light along the surface of the gem. Found in a spectrum of colours, including serene blue, delicate pink, radiant yellow, warm orange, verdant green, soothing lavender, and mysterious black, star sapphires are often a collector’s item – often valued for their rutile inclusions. Sourced from Australia, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Thailand, these celestial marvels are often cut en cabochon, which is a polished, domed shape without facets. This cabochon cut enhances the visibility of the star effect, allowing it to take centre stage.

The asterism optical phenomenon in star sapphires is caused by rutile needle inclusions (Source: GIA)

Why Understanding Sapphire Colours Is Important

Understanding the spectrum of sapphire colours and their classifications is paramount for anyone considering the purchase of these exquisite gemstones. In general, understanding the colour of a sapphire can help with the following:

• Value Determination: The understanding of colour variations, intensities, and classifications is instrumental in assessing the value of a sapphire. In general, a deep and uniformly saturated dominant hue is considered the most valuable. For example, a deep and rich Cornflower blue colour in blue sapphires, or the Pigeon’s Blood red shade for rubies are considered the epitomes of colour in their respective categories. This evaluation is further refined through meticulous examination and certification by authoritative bodies such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or GemResearch Swisslab (GRS). Other criteria of value such as carat weight, cut, and clarity are also important considerations.
• Personalisation: Knowing the diverse array of sapphire colours allows buyers to choose a gem that resonates with their personal preferences and style. Whether opting for a classic blue or a unique padparadscha, the choices are as varied as the individual tastes.
• Investment Considerations: For those viewing sapphires as investments, knowledge of colours, classifications, and carat weights, becomes an essential tool. Certain colours, such as the highly coveted Pigeon’s Blood red in rubies or the unique hues of padparadschas, can significantly impact the gem's investment potential.

In conclusion, the allure of sapphires lies not only in their breath-taking colours but also in the stories told by their classifications. From the classic blue September birthstone to the rare padparadschas, each sapphire type possesses a unique charm. Each coloured or fancy sapphire, with its unique hue and origin, becomes a chapter in the grand narrative of nature's artistry.

If you’re looking to buy sapphire online, we invite you to browse Precious Earth’s collection of these gems which include various carat sizes and qualities of blue sapphires (neelam), yellow sapphires (pukhraj), white sapphires (safed pukhraj), and more – where each gem comes with its own lab-certified guarantee of authenticity, as well as a lifetime returns policy – so that you can rest assured of a genuine purchase at our web store.