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Few More Sapphire
Know More About Purple Sapphire
Purple sapphire is one of the rarest colors in the sapphire family. Unlike the classic blue sapphire, this gem gets its color from the presence of vanadium during its formation deep within the Earth. The shades can range from soft lavender to deep violet.
Core Attributes of Blue Sapphire
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | Al₂O₃ (Aluminum Oxide) |
| Colors | Violet, Lavender, Plum, Deep Purple |
| Transparency | Transparent to translucent |
| Refractive Index | 1.762 – 1.770 |
| Birefringence | 0.008 – 0.010 |
| Specific Gravity | 3.95 – 4.03 |
| Melting Point | ~2,030 °C (3,686 °F) |
| Heat Resistance | Excellent (withstands high temperatures and thermal shocks) |
| Mohs Hardness | 9 |
Purple Sapphires Value
Purple sapphire value depends on several important factors like the richness of their purple hue, the clarity of the stone, how well it's cut, its size (carat weight), and whether it's natural or treated. The more vivid and evenly distributed the purple color, the higher the value.
Because purple sapphires form under rare geological conditions, they are not as common as blue sapphires.While purple sapphires are generally less expensive than blue sapphires, they’re often more valuable than many other colored stones because of their limited availability.
Sapphires from certain regions, like Madagascar or Sri Lanka, can command higher prices due to their excellent color and clarity. Untreated, natural purple sapphires are always more valuable than treated ones.
Purple Sapphire Origins
Purple sapphires are found in a few countries around the world. Some of the known sources include Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Tanzania, and Thailand but the most important and consistent supply today comes from Madagascar. It is an island country off the southeastern coast of Africa.
Madagascar
Madagascar’s rich volcanic soil and natural heat deep underground create the perfect conditions for forming high-quality sapphires in stunning shades of purple. The discovery of purple sapphires in Madagascar in the late 1990s changed the global gemstone market.
Malagasy
What makes Malagasy purple sapphires special is their natural, vivid color. Many stones from this region don’t need any treatment, meaning their color comes straight from nature. The region is especially known for producing purples with vibrant hues ranging from soft lavender to deep royal violet, sometimes with a pink or bluish tint depending on the region and minerals in the ground. These gems often show beautiful color zoning and strong saturation, making them highly sought-after by collectors and jewelers alike.
Purple Sapphire Colors
Purple sapphires are stunning gemstones that come in several beautiful shades of purple. Their color is created by the presence of trace elements like vanadium and sometimes chromium. While not as common as blue sapphires, purple sapphires have a unique charm and are often loved for their royal look.
Here are some of the most fascinating color varieties found in purple sapphires:
Royal Purple
This is the deepest and richest shade of purple with a velvety glow. It often has a slight reddish or bluish undertone and is loved for its luxurious feel.
Violet
Violet-toned sapphires have a lighter, bluish-purple color. It’s softer than royal purple and often looks brighter in daylight. They give off a calm and soothing feel and look especially beautiful in white gold or platinum jewelry.
Reddish Purple
These sapphires have a noticeable red tint, giving them wine-like color. This unique mix creates a gemstone that looks romantic. They are rare and often confused with pink sapphires or rubies.
Plum
Plum sapphires are almost like a mix of wine and berry. This shade leans more toward a darker, muted purple with a hint of gray or brown. It’s not as bright as royal purple but offers a more vintage and earthy vibe.
Grape Purple
These sapphires have a medium tone, much like grape juice neither too dark nor too light. They strike a great balance between richness and brightness.
Purple Sapphire Clarity
Purple sapphires often carry tiny marks or patterns within them. These are called inclusions and they’re a natural part of how the gem grows. What makes purple sapphires special is that their deep color often hides these marks unless you look very closely.
A purple sapphire with no visible marks is rare and prized but perfect clarity isn't everything. Some stones may not be perfect but their rich and dreamy color still steals the spotlight. Instead of chasing flawlessness, many people now appreciate the natural charm and character that these inner details bring.
Purple Sapphire Price Per Carat
Purple sapphires are loved for their royal color and elegant sparkle. Their price depends on many factors like color quality, clarity, origin, and carat weight. Unlike common sapphires, purple ones are less frequently found. This makes them more valuable and special.
Below is a genuine price table to help you understand how much you might pay based on quality:
| Quality Grade | Treatment | Price Per Carat (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Quality | Heated | $80 – $150 |
| Medium Quality | Heated | $150 – $300 |
| Fine Quality | Heated/Unheated | $300 – $600 |
| Premium Quality | Mostly Unheated | $600 – $1,200 |
Purple Sapphire Care
Taking care of your purple sapphire helps keep its beauty and shine for years. Though sapphires are strong gemstones, they still need gentle care. Always clean your purple sapphire with warm water, mild soap, and a soft brush. Avoid harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners, especially if the gem has been treated or has small cracks.
Store your purple sapphire jewelry separately in a soft pouch or a fabric-lined box to prevent scratches from other hard gemstones. Also, it’s best to remove the stone before heavy activities like cleaning, swimming, or exercising. With regular care and a little attention your purple sapphire will stay bright and colorful.