When you hear the word sapphire, you probably picture a deep blue gemstone. But did you know sapphires come in almost every color of the rainbow? From pink to yellow, green to purple, and even colorless, sapphires are incredibly diverse. Let’s explore how this happens!

What Makes a Sapphire?

Sapphires are a type of mineral called corundum. In their pure form, corundum is colorless. But when trace elements mix in during formation, they create stunning colors.

How Do the Colors Happen?

The color of a sapphire depends on the type and amount of these trace elements:

• Blue Sapphire: Comes from traces of iron and titanium.
• Pink Sapphire: Created by small amounts of chromium.
• Yellow or Green Sapphire: Caused by iron.
• Purple Sapphire: Comes from a mix of iron and chromium.
• Padparadscha Sapphire: A rare orange-pink sapphire, with chromium and iron giving it its unique hue.

What About White Sapphires?

White sapphires are pure corundum without any trace elements. They look clear and are often used as a diamond alternative.

Fancy Sapphires

Non-blue sapphires are called “fancy sapphires.” They’ve become increasingly popular in jewelry due to their unique colors and beauty.

Can Sapphires Change Color?

Yes! Some sapphires, called color-change sapphires, look blue in daylight and purple under artificial light. This happens because of how the stone interacts with different light sources.

Why Are Sapphires Special?

Sapphires are not only beautiful but also durable. They rank 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, making them perfect for jewelry. Their range of colors means there’s a sapphire for everyone!

The Magic of Nature

Sapphires remind us of nature’s creativity. From the trace elements in the earth to the heat and pressure that shape them, every sapphire is a natural work of art.

Next time you see a sapphire, think about the journey it took to become that unique color. Whether it’s deep blue, bright pink, or sparkling white, each sapphire is a gem worth celebrating.