PINK SAPPHIRE

sapphire and ruby are members of the corundum family, a group of crystallized aluminum oxides. Both have exactly the same chemical composition and only small amounts of coloring trace elements distinguish between them. Sapphire and ruby both are considered among the most important and valuable gemstones available.

A corundum gem with light tone and low saturation of red, violet or purple is defined as Pink Sapphire, sometimes also called Rose Sapphire. It is considered to be among the highest valued fancy sapphire. The color borders between pink sapphire and ruby are vague and differ between markets around the world.

LEGEND AND LORE

Sapphire is the birthstone for the month of September and the gemstone representing the fifth and 45th wedding anniversaries.

Pink sapphire has long been considered a symbol of love. It is thought to strengthen the heart, inspire love and forgiveness, arouse passion and help one overcome shyness and express emotions. It is believed to keep balance in the body's metabolism.

PINK SAPPHIRE COLORS

Pink sapphire colors range from reddish Purple (28) to Red (1) to Red-Orange (3), possessing slight saturation and a light tone (not sufficient to be called Ruby). The border between pink sapphire and ruby is vague and differs between different markets around the world. For example, a light red-colored corundum gem may be considered as a pink sapphire in the Far East, where the general perception regarding light gemstones is stricter, or as a light colored ruby in Europe, where the term 'pink sapphire' is rarely used.

The coloring element of most pink sapphires is chromium. If the crystal includes traces of titanium as well, the sapphire will have a more purplish pink hue.

PINK SAPPHIRE SOURCES

Traditionally, fine quality, pink sapphires have originated from Sri Lanka or Myanmar, or the Umba River in Tanzania. They were very rare until new deposits were discovered in Madagascar in the 1990s in Ilakaka and Andranandambo. Pink sapphires from Madagascar usually include a purplish secondary color and many of them undergo heat treatment to reduce this. Additionally, pink sapphires can be found in the Pamir Mountains in Tajikistan and in Afghanistan in Jegdalek, 100 km east of Kabul, two sources for high quality rubies as well.

Other pink sapphire sources include Kenya, Thailand, India, China, Australia and USA.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

Variety: Sapphire
Species/Series: Corundum
Chemical Composition: Aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃)
Crystal System: Trigonal
Color: All colors, except red (blue, colorless, pink, orange, yellow, green, purple, black)
Hardness: 9
Refractive Index: 1.762 to 1.77 (+0.009/-0.005)
Specific Gravity: 4.00 (+0.10/-0.05)

For information on other Sapphire colors, select Sapphire in the Gem Type field and click on the Read More icon.

Properties
RI 1.762-1.77 HARDNESS 9 SPECIFIC GRAVITY 4.0 SPECIES-CORUNDUM OPTIC CHARACTER-DR PHENOMENA-CHATOYANCY(VERY RARE)
Reactions
Ultrasonic: Usually safe Steamer: Usually safe Heat: Poor;may sometimes improve color, but may cause loss of colorMajor Sources
Madagascar, Kenya, TanzaniaGrading Information
GEM, AAA, AA, A+, A, BEnhancement Code
NSpecific Gravity
3.99

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