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Sapphire
The name “sapphire” can also apply to any corundum that’s not ruby, another corundum variety.
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Sapphire Quality Factors
Sapphire is one of the big three of colored gemstones (the other two are ruby and emerald). This durable gemstone captures jewelry buyers with its practicality and aura of romance. Click here and learn about the factors that make sapphire so desirable!
Sapphire Care and Cleaning Guide
Learn about sapphire's durability and how to care for your sapphire jewelry.
Sapphire History and Lore
Traditionally, sapphire symbolizes nobility, truth, sincerity, and faithfulness.
Sapphire Description
Blue sapphire belongs to the mineral species corundum. It can be a pure blue but ranges from greenish blue to violetish blue. The name “sapphire” can also apply to any corundum that’s not red and doesn’t qualify as ruby, another corundum variety.
Sapphire Journey
The name “sapphire” can also apply to any corundum that’s not ruby, another corundum variety
Montana Yogo Sapphires’ Unique Gemology
A look at the mining and distinguishing characteristics of this naturally vibrant blue sapphire.
Characterization of Blue Sapphires from the Mogok Stone Tract, Mandalay Region, Burma (Myanmar)
The Mogok Stone Tract of central Myanmar (Burma) is one of the world’s most famed sources of colored stones, particularly ruby, sapphire, and spinel.
A Study of Sapphire from Chanthaburi, Thailand and its Gemological Characteristics
A report from the GIA Laboratory in Bangkok presents their findings on 59 blue sapphire samples obtained from a miner in the Khao Ploy Waen area, Chanthaburi.
Sapphires from the Gem Rush Bemainty area, Ambatondrazaka (Madagascar)
The discovery of many fine quality sapphires in this area is opening a new chapter in the conflict between conservation and gem mining in northeastern Madagascar.
An In-Depth Gemological Study of Blue Sapphires from the Baw Mar Mine (Mogok, Myanmar)
GIA field gemologists visited Baw Mar operations in 2013, 2014, and 2015. In this study, we analyzed samples collected during two separate expeditions.
Gem Fossicking: Recreational Mining in Australia
Fossicking is a special type of mining activity that Australians love. Australia is a large country rich in many types of gem resources. Come to Australia with the GIA field gemology team to feel the passion of gem fossicking in the southern hemisphere.
Freshwater Pearling in Tennessee
Natural pearl identification is one of the critical problems in pearl research. The DNA study of pearly mollusks and oysters facilitates solving this problem. To fulfill this goal, GIA sent a group from both research and education to Tennessee to sample the freshwater mollusks for DNA bar coding. Come with us to Camden, Tennessee, to see how we dive for pearly shells.
