WHAT IS PURPLE SAPPHIRE?
Sapphires are among the most exciting gems for collection. Though known for the traditional blue hues, this variety of corundum offers an incredible spectrum of options. Purple sapphire is one such enticing choice. This rare jewel provides collectors the chance to own a seductive plum-colored gemstone. Velvety shades envelop purple sapphire, pleasing the eye with cool, luxurious tones of color.
Determining Purple Sapphire Value
Is Purple Sapphire valuable? We determine the value of colored stones by color, clarity, cut, and carat weight. This is no different when determining what purple sapphire is worth. These guidelines will help you choose sapphire stones for your collection.
- Purple Sapphire Color
Five potential shades occur in purple sapphire. From soft lilac tones, the saturation deepens to more vibrant violet. A rare color to find in sapphire, the intoxicating options provide a choice for every occasion. Purple sapphire gets its color due to the presence of vanadium. Some traders refer to purples sapphires as amethystine for their similarity to amethyst in color. Other sellers might also describe them as plum sapphire.
- Purple Sapphire Clarity
Sapphires are known for their good clarity. However, as with nearly any genuine gemstone, inclusions are possible. When discussing sapphires, crisscross rutile inclusions are very common and often called “silk” by experts. They often lend a luxurious, velvety look to the gemstone. Color zoning may also be present in these gems. Polished purple sapphire has a glassy, or vitreous finish.
- Purple Sapphire Cut
Sapphire has a hexagonal crystal structure. The gemstone naturally occurs in crystals with barrel, pyramidical or tabular shapes. Sapphire’s excellent hardness and durability allow gem cutters to experiment with varied cuts. You can find sapphire in basic cuts like oval, cushion, square, baguette, and round to fancy cuts like brilliant, princess, step, and more.
- Purple Sapphire Carat
Purple sapphire is a rare variety of sapphire. It is found in really small sizes like granules. Shop LC offers 0.02-1.1mm carat purple sapphire.
Purple Sapphire Treatment
Purple sapphire undergoes standard heat treatment. The treatment evens out the color of the stone and deepens where it might be faint. Heating can also contribute to improving the stone’s clarity.
Caring for Purple Sapphire
Sapphire ranks nine on the Moh’s scale of hardness. It is the second hardest gemstone after diamonds. The durable gemstone with excellent toughness is an ideal choice for everyday wear. Nevertheless, the stones with large fractures or inclusions can be less durable.
As with most gems, caring for sapphire is easy. Simply using a warm water solution and a small amount of dishwashing soap, scrub your gem gently with a soft bristled brush like a toothbrush. Rinse with crisp, clean water, and dry with a soft, lint-free towel.
Avoid prolonged exposure to high amounts of heat. Avoid exposure to chemicals, as this may damage the surface of your sapphire stone. Ultrasonic and steam cleaning is typically safe for sapphire, but never for fracture- or cavity-filled stones.
The heat treatment of your sapphire requires no specialized care. Store your sapphire jewelry in a lined jewelry box or wrap it in a soft cloth when not worn. This will help prevent any accidental damage and keep it clean for years of enjoyment.
Who Can Wear Purple Sapphire?
A purple sapphire finds fans with those who already have a healthy appreciation of purple stones. Anyone who enjoys the amethyst's royal purple, the delicious grape of purple garnet, or the vibrancy of purple fluorite will find delight with purple sapphire. The fascinating gemstone goes perfectly with black, white, and orange color outfits. Purple sapphire is a great choice to ditch traditional diamond or blue sapphire wedding rings. The excellent hardness allows you to wear the gem in ring, bracelet, bangle, pendant, earrings, and any other jewel.
How Does Purple Sapphire Compare to Other Purple Stones?
In comparison to other purple gemstones, natural purple sapphire is the rarest gemstone. As the color falls between soft lilac tones to more vibrant violet, the gemstone is often compared with amethyst and purple diamond varieties. The purple sapphire is not as hard as a purple diamond and not as soft as amethyst. Also, purple sapphires exhibit a more brilliant shine than amethyst.
Where Does Purple Sapphire Come From?
Madagascar provides an ample supply of some of the most popular gemstones. The island nation produces an amount of colorless corundum used in producing magnificent purple sapphire. This supply is in such a high demand the government has strictly regulated the mining process. As a result, only limited stock of rough leaves the country for processing and treatment. Shop LC sources purple sapphire from Madagascar.
How is Purple Sapphire Mined?
Madagascar hosts a rocky landscape that is inhospitable to modern mining. For this reason, artisanal techniques dominate in extracting purple sapphire. For every single carat of sapphire found, workers move approximately 50 tons of earth. Traditional tools and methods predominate, meaning shovels, pickaxes, and backbreaking labor carries the day during mining.
Purple Sapphire Properties
What Does Purple Sapphire Mean?
For centuries, sapphire signifies nobility, truth, sincerity, and faithfulness. Purple sapphire is widely believed to negate unnecessary worries. It stimulates the crown chakra and promotes emotional stability.
Most people believe it is a stone that releases mental tension and troubling thoughts. It is also considered to be one of the most powerful healing stones, especially for the nervous system. It is said to enhance the wearer’s willpower and give them the strength to get better. Legends say purple sapphire brings the wisdom of spiritual awakening.
Disclaimer: Use of any stone or mineral is not a substitute for professional medical care or treatment, and nothing herein constitutes medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Information provided should not be used to treat any illness, injury, medical condition, or ailment without prior consultation with a qualified health professional.
Is Purple Sapphire a Birthstone?
Sapphires are the modern September birthstone. Purple sapphire is an exciting new addition to the growing selection of birthstones for September.
Besides being the modern September birthstone, purple sapphire can also be given as a gift for the 23rd wedding anniversary.
Purple Sapphire Facts
- Ranks 9 on Mohs scale of hardness
- Color ranges from soft lilac tones to a more vibrant violet
- Originates from Madagascar
- Undergoes heat treatment to enhance and create color
- Chemical Formula: Al2O3.