Everything You Want to Know About Sapphire
Along with diamonds, rubies, and emeralds, sapphire is one of the most famous gemstones in the world. The stone is known for its exceptional hardness, durability, and beautiful colors. Although most people immediately think of a deep-blue gemstone when they hear the word “sapphire,” sapphires occur naturally in virtually every color of the rainbow.
Thanks to its high hardness, sapphire is particularly well-suited for jewelry worn every day, such as engagement rings, wedding rings, and other valuable pieces of jewelry.
On this page, you can read all about the properties of sapphire, its different colors, its hardness, how to care for it, and what to look for when choosing a sapphire.
Saffier at a Glance
Mineral: Corundum (Al₂O₃)
Hardness: 9 on the Mohs scale
Suitable for everyday wear: ★★★★★
Most common color: Blue
Birthstone: September
Properties of Sapphire
Sapphire is a variety of the mineral corundum and forms deep within the Earth’s crust under high pressure and temperatures. Most sapphires are millions of years old and are mined in places such as Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Australia, Thailand, and Kashmir.
With a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, sapphire is one of the hardest gemstones. As a result, it is highly resistant to scratches and well-suited for everyday use.
Although sapphire is very durable, even this gemstone can be damaged by a hard impact. A secure setting is therefore important.
Colors of Sapphire
Blue is by far the best-known color, but sapphires occur naturally in virtually every color except red. Red corundum is called a ruby.
Sapphires are available in, among others:
- Blue
- Green
- Pink
- Yellow
- Orange
- Purple
- White or colorless
- Black
- Teal (blue-green)
- Padparadscha (pink-orange)
The color is caused by small amounts of trace elements, such as iron, titanium, and chromium.
Natural, Treated, and Lab-Grown Sapphires
Natural sapphire
A natural sapphire is formed in nature and may contain small inclusions that are characteristic of the stone’s growth.
Treated sapphire
Most of the sapphires on the market have been heat-treated. Heating can improve the stone’s color and clarity. This treatment is widely accepted within the gemstone industry.
Lab-grown sapphire
Lab-grown sapphires have the same chemical and physical properties as natural sapphires. The difference is that they are produced in a laboratory rather than forming naturally.
Care
Sapphire is easy to care for. The stone can usually be cleaned with lukewarm water, a soft brush, and a little mild soap.
If you wear a ring every day, check it regularly to make sure the setting is still secure.
Summary
Sapphire is one of the most durable gemstones, making it an excellent choice for jewelry worn every day. Although the stone is best known for its deep blue color, sapphire occurs naturally in virtually every color except red. Thanks to its high hardness, versatility, and timeless appeal, sapphire has long been a beloved gemstone for engagement rings, wedding bands, and custom jewelry, among other items.
Whether you choose a classic blue sapphire or a unique color such as green, teal, or padparadscha, every sapphire has its own character. Given the variety of colors, qualities, and origins, it’s worth taking the time to explore your options thoroughly before making a decision.
Looking for more information about other gemstones? Check out the complete gemstone guide for an overview of all gemstones and their properties.