Fancy Sapphires: an unsuspected diversity

The fancy sapphire is a stone of unsuspected diversity. Often revered for its intense blue, many people don’t realise the hues possible for this revered gem.

Let’s embark on a journey to discover the geological formation, historical significance and mystical properties of fancy sapphire, an extraordinary gemstone prized for its beauty and utility.

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Geological Formation of Fancy Sapphire

Fancy sapphire, a member of the corundum family of minerals, forms under conditions of high pressure in metamorphic rocks and igneous environments. It is often found in alluvial deposits.

The incredible range of colors in this precious stone is the result of the presence of different trace elements during its formation, making each Fantasy Sapphire a unique masterpiece of nature.

Rough Fancy Sapphire – Raw Beauty Revealed

Frequently found in different forms, crystals of this mineral generally display a common barrel shape or a prismatic structure with flat terminations.

Sometimes, they can have a bipyramidal configuration.

The mineral can also be found in the form of massive and granular formations, as well as in the form of rolled pebbles.

Sources – The Worldwide Reach of Fancy Sapphire

Fancy sapphires are found in different parts of the world, each source contributing its own unique colors and characteristics to the gemstone.

Notable sources include Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Madagascar, Australia and Montana, offering a kaleidoscope of colours that have enchanted the world.

Historical Significance of Fancy Sapphires – Through the Ages

The appeal of Fancy Sapphires stretches back centuries, with historical records hinting at the appreciation of coloured Sapphires by ancient civilisations.

However, like the fancy diamond, it is only in modern times that the amazing world of fancy sapphires has gained worldwide recognition and become prized for their rarity and captivating beauty.

Many fancy sapphires have been confused with other stones throughout history due to the mistaken belief that sapphires are uniquely blue.

Metaphysical Properties of Fancy Sapphire – Illuminating Energies

Saphir Fantaisie is thought to have metaphysical properties that resonate with the soul. Each variety of Fancy Sapphire is associated with specific virtues and meanings, offering a range of advantages to its wearer.

From strengthening inner peace and tranquillity to enhancing wisdom and intuition, Fantasy Sapphire lights the way to a better understanding of oneself and the universe.

Varieties of Fantasy Sapphire

Fantasy Sapphire encompasses a bewitching range of colors, making it a family of precious stones with infinite possibilities. However, Fantasy Sapphire does not have any varieties to speak of.

However, it does have a number of trade names, the best known of which is undoubtedly Padparadscha. Named after the Sinhalese word “padma radschen”, meaning “lotus flower”, padparadscha sapphires come in shades of orange and pink. this sapphire is highly sought-after and very rare.

Fantasy Sapphire colors

Saphir Fantaisie reveals a stunning kaleidoscope of colors, from yellow to pink, orange, purple and green, and features the famous Saphir Padparadscha, a perfect fusion of orange and pink.

Optical Effects of Fancy Sapphire

Star Sapphires :

Star sapphires are a fascinating variety that have a sparkling, star-shaped effect on the surface of the gem due to asterism. When viewed under a direct light source, a captivating star pattern appears on the stone, reminiscent of a twinkling star in the night sky.

This optical phenomenon enhances the appeal of star sapphires, making them highly sought-after by gem enthusiasts.

This effect is also available in Cat’s Eye sapphires.

Durability and Wearability of Fancy Sapphire

The exceptional hardness of Fancy Sapphire, rated 9 on the Mohs scale, ensures its enduring beauty and longevity. This gemstone is an excellent choice for everyday use, retaining its sparkle and charm for generations.

Enhancing Fancy Sapphire – Preserving Natural Beauty

As a valuable and rare gemstone, corundum undergoes numerous treatments to improve its appearance and therefore its value.

Heat treatment :

Corundum is commonly heat-treated to improve its clarity and color. Although this enhancement is widely accepted and does not diminish the value of the gemstone, it is essential to disclose any treatment when describing a gem or piece of jewellery.

Diffusion :

This treatment involves adding chemical elements to the surface of the gem and then heating it. It creates a coloured layer on the outer surface, giving the appearance of a more precious, intensely colored gemstone. This treatment is stable, but only treats a very thin portion of the stone’s surface. Repolishing a diffused stone may result in staining or loss of color, as the colored surface is removed.

Filling fractures :

Corundum with visible fractures or cavities can be filled with a substance, such as glass or resin, to improve clarity and durability. This treatment can make the gemstone more visually appealing, but it can affect its overall value.

Beryllium treatment :

A process that introduces beryllium into corundum to improve or modify its color. This can create intense, vivid colors, but transparency and disclosure are essential as they can significantly affect the gem’s value. This treatment is stable.

Irradiation :

This involves exposing the gem to radiation to change its color. Irradiation can create attractive hues, but it must be disclosed as it can affect the gem’s stability and long-term appearance.

Surface coating :

A thin layer of a color- or shine-enhancing substance is applied to the surface of the gem to temporarily improve its appearance. This treatment is generally not permanent and may fade over time.

Laser drilling :

Used to improve the clarity of corundum by creating tiny channels to remove inclusions. Laser drilling is often followed by fracture filling to make the inclusions less visible.

Gemstone sellers must disclose any treatment carried out on corundum to ensure transparency and help buyers make informed decisions.

Synthetic Fantasy Sapphire – Nature in the Laboratory

Synthetic fancy sapphires, also known as laboratory fancy sapphires, are common on the market.

Although synthetic stones offer a more affordable option, it is essential that sellers disclose their synthetic nature when describing a gemstone or piece of jewellery.

Imitations of Fancy Sapphire – Discerning the Genuine

The popularity and value of the fancy sapphire as a famous gemstone make it highly vulnerable to imitation.

Most stones or colored materials were used as imitations, such as glass, spinel, corundum doublets, tourmaline or garnets. Buyers should be wary of imitations that attempt to reproduce the stone’s bewitching colors, and opt for reputable, certified jewellers for their purchases.

Fancy Sapphire Care – Preserving natural beauty

Taking care of corundum jewellery ensures that its timeless beauty endures. To preserve their lustre, avoid exposing corundum to aggressive chemicals or sudden changes in temperature.

Clean the gem gently with mild soapy water and a soft brush. Store corundum jewellery separately from other precious stones to avoid scratches and damage.

All corundum can be cleaned using mechanical cleaners, unless it has been glass-filled or surface-coated.