Often confused with Padparadscha, orange sapphire is renowned for its rusty and fiery hues. These burnt sunset-like September gems are good for boosting creativity, enthusiasm, warmth, symbolizing joy and a zest for life.
Also known as santari neelam , natural orange sapphires are a lesser-known but unique and captivating variety within the sapphire family. These real pieces of nature’s marvels are loved for their light pastel oranges to vivid orangish-red tones which in astrology signifies creativity, joy, and enthusiasm. The color is also associated with stimulating energy, fostering a sense of warmth, and promoting positive, lively emotions. These September Birthstones are sourced from regions like Sri Lanka, Madagascar orange sapphire, and Tanzania- regions known for producing some of the finest and most sought-after orange sapphires in the world.
Did You Know?
Natural, untreated orange sapphires are exceptionally rare, constituting only about 0.001 percent of the sapphires available for purchase.
Astrological Significance of Orange Sapphire Gemstones
Historically, orange sapphires haven't been as popular as their blue counterparts, but they have been appreciated in various cultures for their rarity and beauty. In certain Eastern traditions, they are believed to bring wisdom and success. These gems are treasured for their vibrant, fiery hues. Unlike the more commonly known blue sapphires, natural orange sapphires owe their distinctive color to the presence of trace elements like iron and chromium during their formation. This color is often associated with creativity, enthusiasm, and warmth, symbolizing joy and a zest for life.
Types of Orange Sapphire Gemstones
Orange Star Sapphire : Star Sapphires exhibit an asterism effect under specific light. It forms a star shape on the surface of the sapphire due to the presence of rutile inclusions. The color of the Star Sapphire is a mixture of orange and yellow. This Sapphire has its own metaphysical properties.
Fancy Orange Sapphire :Fancy Orange sapphires have a pure orange hue without any overtones of pink or purple. The hue can vary in intensity, ranging from light to bright orange, which is exceptionally rare to find.
Ceylon Orange Sapphire: The Orange Sapphires sourced from Sri Lanka, also known as Ceylon Sapphires , are considered the best quality. These Sapphires may be pure orange or with pink or purple overtones that have high clarity.
Madagascar Orange Sapphire: Madagascar has become another significant source of orange sapphires. Madagascar Sapphires are usually found to be of good, gem quality with varying orange shades.
While color is the foremost criterion in gemstone identification, distinguishing between orange sapphires and Padparadscha sapphires can be quite challenging as both share the overlapping color ranges. However, orange sapphires are not padparadscha sapphires. They differ from each other. While padparadscha are characterized by a blend of pink and orange hues, resembling the lotus flower, raw orange sapphire primarily exhibits various shades of orange without the specific pink undertones.
Rare Color Blend: Padparadscha sapphires have a unique pink-orange blend, which can be mistaken for pure orange in certain lighting conditions.
Market Mislabeling: Due to their rarity and higher value, some sellers may mislabel high-quality orange sapphires as Padparadscha.
Lack of Awareness: Many buyers and jewelers may not be fully aware of the subtle differences, leading to confusion and misidentification.
The price of orange sapphires in the gemstone market is influenced by several critical factors. The most significant determinant in this particular case is the color. For example, pure, vivid orange sapphires at GemPundit range between Rs.8,800 (approx. $105 USD) to as high as Rs.192,000 ( $2299 USD).
Color: The most critical factor in pricing orange sapphires is their color. Sapphire with a pure, vivid orange hue is the most valuable. Any secondary hues, such as brown or yellow, can decrease the stone's value. The saturation and consistency of the color also play a significant role.
Clarity: Like all gemstones, different types of inclusions can be found in Sapphires. The clarity of an orange sapphire affects its price. Sapphires with fewer inclusions and internal flaws are more valuable. Completely eye-clean sapphires are rare and thus command higher prices.
Cut: The quality of the cut influences the sapphire's brilliance and overall appearance. Well-cut sapphires, for example emerald cut orange sapphire, which maximizes light reflection are more desirable and expensive. The shape of the cut, whether it is round, oval, cushion, or another style, also impacts the price.
Carat Weight: Larger sapphires are generally more expensive per carat than smaller ones, given the rarity of larger stones. However, all the other factors (color, clarity, cut) must also be favorable for the size to significantly increase the price.
Treatment: Untreated orange sapphire is exceedingly hard to find and thus more valuable than treated ones. Heat treatment is common to enhance color and clarity, but untreated sapphires, especially those with certifications verifying their natural state, fetch higher prices.
Origin: The geographical origin of the sapphire can influence its price. Sapphires from certain locations, like Sri Lanka, are highly prized.
Market Demand and Rarity: The overall rarity and market demand for orange sapphires also affect their price. As natural, untreated orange sapphires are extremely rare, they can command premium prices when available.
Certification: Gemstones that come with certification from reputable gemological laboratories such as ITLGR, GRS, IGI, GRS, verifying their natural origin and any treatments, are typically more valuable than those without such documentation.
Buyers should stay vigilant while purchasing orange sapphire gemstones because the market is filled with synthetic and treated gems designed to mimic natural ones. Common treatments include heat treatment to enhance color and clarity and diffusion treatment to alter the gemstone's surface color. To ensure authenticity, buyers should purchase from reputable dealers and insist on certification from renowned gemological laboratories ( such as ITLGR, AGR, GRS, Bellerophon Lab certificates), verifying the stone's natural origin and any treatments. Examining the gem's inclusions under magnification can also help distinguish natural stones from synthetic ones. Being aware of these precautions can help buyers make informed decisions and avoid counterfeit gems.
One way to stay absolutely sure is to do a first hand inspection of the gemstone. The overall hue of the flux-grown orange sapphires varies from orange to reddish orange in moderate to vivid saturation. One would notice color zoning within the individual crystal groups and single crystals. There are areas of yellowish orange, orangy yellow, pinkish orange, and orangey pink. If you observe these patterns, the orange sapphire is probably fake.
A collection of blood orange sapphire drenched in its sunny glory in ring, earring, and pendant form.
In recent years, the allure of raw orange sapphires has surged in the modern world. Their striking and uncommon color has made them a favorite among jewelry designers and collectors seeking unique, eye-catching pieces. The orange sapphire gem is also catching pace due to its rarity and the growing trend of using unconventional gemstones in engagement rings and bespoke jewelry. Its combination of beauty, rarity, and symbolic meaning makes it a highly sought-after gem in contemporary markets.
The beautiful gemstone with a sunset hue is ideal for an engagement ring. It can be cast into any type of jewelry piece whether it is earrings, pendants, or bracelets. When set with diamonds it can instantly ample up the style quotient. Orange sapphire is a beautiful spectacle when carved in emerald, oval, or cabochon shape and welded with white or rose gold.
Orange sapphire is known for its vibrant energy and ability to enhance creativity, enthusiasm, and warmth. It is believed to stimulate sexual desire, increase fertility, and boost artistic expression. Additionally, orange sapphire is thought to promote mental clarity, reduce stress, and bring harmony and happiness to one's life.
Orange sapphire is ideal for Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius or people who want to be artists, musicians, writers, and enter any creative field. It is also beneficial for those looking to enhance their sexual energy and fertility. Individuals seeking to reduce stress, improve mental clarity, and bring more joy and balance into their lives may also find orange sapphire helpful.
Orange sapphire is not traditionally assigned as a birthstone for any particular month. However, sapphires in general are associated with September. Despite this, orange sapphire can be worn and appreciated by individuals born in any month due to its unique properties and benefits.
Treated orange sapphires are generally less expensive, with prices typically ranging in hundreds of dollars per carat. Natural, untreated orange sapphires are rare and can range from Rs.8,800 (approx. $105 USD) to as high as Rs.192,000 ( $2299 USD).