◂ BACK TO GEM ENCYCLOPEDIA
Sapphire
The name “sapphire” can also apply to any corundum that’s not ruby red, another corundum variety.
See Gem As
Tools
Research
“Flower in the Rain” Inclusion in Sri Lankan Sapphire
A growth blockage/fluid inclusion combination in a blue sapphire from Sri Lanka resembles a bloom in a rainstorm.
The “Montana Queen” Sapphire
A rough blue sapphire crystal from the Rock Creek deposit is heat treated and cut to become the largest known faceted blue Montana sapphire.
Yellow, Green, and Blue Sapphires Reportedly from Antang and Gombe, Nigeria
Nineteen sapphires of various colors, reportedly from sources in northern Nigeria, are studied in GIA’s Tokyo laboratory.
Flux-Grown Pink Synthetic Sapphire with UnusualCrystal Inclusions
Gemological testing and advanced analyses of a pink stone reveal unexpected results.
Big Sky Country Sapphire: Visiting Montana’s Alluvial Deposits
Documents a visit to the upper Missouri River and Rock Creek sapphire mining areas.
Chart: Inclusions in Natural, Synthetic, and Treated Sapphire
Provides a visual guide to the internal features of natural, synthetic, and treated sapphires.
Sapphires from Northern Ethiopia
A new source of sapphires is found in the Tigray region of Ethiopia.
Sapphires with Unusual Radial “Eye” Structure
Sapphires exhibiting radial structures are examined.
Tourmaline and Sapphire from Nigeria
An update on Nigerian colored stone production is obtained at the Tucson gem shows.
Negative Crystals in Sapphires
Sapphires from Baw Mar host multiphase inclusions in appealing patterns.
Ethical and Sustainable Vertical Integration in the Sapphire Market
The recession of 2008 transforms a gem business into a vertically integrated operation.
Magnificent Sapphires from Montana’s Rock Creek Mine
A look at the 2016 sapphire production from Montana’s Rock Creek deposit.
