About Australian Sapphire
Named after their place of origin, Australian blue sapphires carry the legacy and Indigenous heritage of Australia’s diverse ecosystem and vibrant culture. The place is not only home to massive sandstone monoliths and stunning beaches, but also provides ideal geological conditions to form sapphire deposits. And from the Australian terrains, rises Australian neelam- a gemstone wrapped in mystery and marvel.
Australia's stable tectonic environment has sheltered these mesmerizing gems for millions of years, further cementing Australia's reputation for blue sapphires. Raw sapphires from Australia are distinctively known for their unique coloration, often displaying a darker, more intense blue hue, sometimes with a slight greenish or inky tint. Conversely, sapphires from regions like Sri Lanka and Kashmir typically exhibit lighter, more vibrant blue shades, such as the renowned cornflower blue. The unique mineral composition and geological conditions in Australia contribute to this deeper coloration.
Did You Know?
Australian blue sapphires, particularly those from Queensland, are known to have formed in basalts that are remnants of volcanic activity dating back to the Tertiary period, around 65 to 2 million years ago. This connection to volcanic origins not only contributes to their distinct chemical composition and color variations but also means that they can sometimes be found alongside other rare volcanic minerals, making them unique among sapphires globally.
Characteristics of Australian Sapphires
During the last two decades, Australia has assumed a major role in the production of natural blue sapphires. These gems compete favorably well with blue sapphires from noted regions such as Madagascar, Sri Lanka, Kashmir, and Myanmar. Available in virtually all hues associated with sapphires, this indigenous gem was first discovered by Archibald John Richardson near the town of Anakie- an area that was known to produce as large as 500 ct blue sapphires.
The second major mining was done in New South Wales (generally referred to as New England fields). Sapphires found here were rich in iron content lending them their famous blue hue. But, other concentrates of pleonaste, magnetite, and pyroxene were also found in varying proportions lending the gems their greenish-blue, yellow, and green hues.
Australian Sapphire Vs. Other Sapphires
Color:
Natural Australian Sapphire:
Typically exhibit a deep, inky blue hue, often with greenish or slightly grayish undertones. Some stones display a unique "teal" color, a mix of blue and green.
Other Origins:
Kashmir:
Kashmir blue sapphires are renowned for their exceptional velvety, cornflower blue color, which is highly prized and exceedingly rare. These sapphires, mined primarily in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, are considered some of the finest in the world due to their rich, intense blue hue and unique "silk" inclusions that give them a velvety appearance.
Madagascar:
Madagascar produces sapphires in a wide range of colors, including blue sapphires that can rival those from Kashmir and Sri Lanka in terms of quality and color. The island's diverse geological environments allow for the formation of sapphires with various hues and saturations, making Madagascar an important source of high-quality gemstones in the global market.
Sri Lanka (Ceylon):
Sri Lankan sapphires, often referred to as Ceylon sapphires, are famous for their lighter, vibrant blue color, which can sometimes exhibit a slight violet hue. These sapphires are highly sought after for their brilliance and clarity, making them popular in fine jewelry. The varied geological conditions in Sri Lanka contribute to the diverse color range seen in Ceylon sapphires.
Myanmar (Burma):
Burmese sapphires are known for their rich, royal blue color with strong saturation. These sapphires are celebrated for their deep, vivid blue hue that remains intense under various lighting conditions. The high quality and robust color of Burmese sapphires make them highly desirable among collectors and jewelers.