Purple Sapphires
Blue to Purple to Pink
Purple sapphires are the mysterious entry in the sapphire range. Purple sapphires, like purple clothing, ornaments and other valuables, come with an air of beauty that is characterised by luxury and style. As purple is a colour that has long been associated with Royalty and hence has been viewed as a symbol of status. So the presence of a precious gemstone with this lustrous colour is an unbeatable combination. Here we will explain what you need to know about the purple variety of the mineral corundum, their unique traits, and the process one must adopt in going about identifying the right variant (yes there’s more than one) of the purple sapphire, in making your decision.
The purple sapphire colour spectrum lies in between the blue and pink spectrums
The Characteristics of Purple Sapphires
When it comes to the study of purple sapphires, it is important to first understand the character of the gemstone family they come from: corundum. Sapphires are extremely hard minerals that are found in alluvial and gravel deposits in certain parts of the world. With much of the sapphire sources found in countries like Madagascar, Thailand and Ceylon (Sri Lanka). In recent times newer players have entered the sapphire gemstone market: with countries like the United States (with their Montana sapphire range), and a resurgence in Australian sapphires, which used to dominate the market in the have 1980’s, that have begun to make an impact on the market. Sapphires are extremely hard minerals second only to Diamonds, scoring a full 9 on the Mohs scale for hardness. Purple sapphires, like other sapphires, differ in terms of character from other sapphire colour varieties, but also from other purple sapphire variants.
Colour
There is a saying in the industry: no two sapphires are the same. This is especially true when it comes to the colour-rich purple variant. Colour is arguably the most significant factor when it comes to the purchase of quality sapphires (with the exception of white sapphires). A point that is especially true in the purple sapphire variety. That being a variant in the sapphire family, differs from the most popular blue sapphire, and the rising pink and yellow sapphire types. When it comes to purple sapphires it is important to note there isn’t one single ‘purple sapphire’. Purple sapphires, like blue, pink, and in fact like all major sapphire colour types, also come in a number of shades. The purple sapphire gemstone colour range can be found in a spectrum: stretching from lighter to darker shades. Going from a deep pinkish purple shade to a deeper bluish-purple variant. In this regard, purple sapphires can be categorized according to the colour shade they contain, and top quality jewellers are able to provide a range of options when it comes to selection. Another advantage of purple sapphires is that they naturally come blessed with great colour, and often are not in need of dedicated heat treatments. As the strong saturation and the rich hue are widespread in the purple sapphire range.
Purple Sapphire Variants
Purple sapphire varieties are identified according to the type of hue: with lavender and violet ranges being notable options. With purple sapphires whose shade closely resembles the beautiful fragrant European flowering plant; or the other, this time five-petal flower variant, with its home in East Africa. In addition to these somewhat related but different purple sapphire varieties, gemstones in this range can also be found in a disparate range of hues. Here it is important to exercise caution in selecting a purple gemstone, as the colour types may overlap with others. With the prevalence of ‘purple’ in the purple sapphire being lesser, or less widely dispersed in contrast to other hues that are in the gemstone. Hence here it is important to understand the chemical character of purple sapphires: that is what are the factors that contribute to its unique colour.
Chemical composition
The colour of purple sapphires, as in all sapphire varieties are caused by the presence of external elements. Which are present as ‘impurities’, which affect the colour by interacting with the crystalline structure of the mineral, causing disruptions to the entry and interplay of light within the gemstone. The key elements that contribute to the colour of purple sapphires are the presence of chromium and iron, along with traces of iron. What is key is the level of these trace elements and the manner of their dispersion within the stone. Since the colour that is found within sapphires are often not universally dispersed and tend to concentrate within certain parts of the gemstone, thereby altering not just the type of colour, but also its strength and the extent glow of the stone.
Two Violet Sapphire Gemstones
Two Violet Sapphire from Ceylon
Purple sapphires, like the colour purple, is a gemstone that contains varying levels of blue and red. Which, when broken down to the structure of the mineral, comes down to the elemental composition of the gemstone. As noted, colour in a sapphire is a result of external factors, elements, and the level and the manner in which these are found in the gemstone. This makes the process of identifying a purple sapphire a bit tricky since the colour composition of the stone may push it closer to the hue of a pink sapphire on the lighter side, or a blue sapphire on the darker side. Hence these differences tend to come down to minute differences, which when it comes to their correct identification may leave someone new to this process confusing. If you are serious about getting a quality, certified purple sapphire, this may require the expertise of a certified gemologist. One way to simplify this process is to find a quality jeweller/gem company, which has the history, products and relevant support services, which are strong indications that the source of your gemstones will meet your expectations in quality.
Purple or Violet: The Science of Colour
OK. It’s time to get a bit technical now. Colours, as the experts will tell you, fall within a spectrum. However, not all colours qualify. When it comes to understanding colours and their relationship to the ‘spectrum’. The subject of colour science is a vast area, one that extends even to the works of the great Isaac Newton. Here it is important to understand the difference between natural and unnatural colours. Natural colours are those that are found in nature and hence fall within the spectrum. Of which Violet is one. Purple on the other hand is an unnatural or man-made colour, that is produced by combining various levels of blue and red. Hence the plethora of shades and tones in which this colour is found. In the world of sapphires, these same colour dynamics also play out. And the purple sapphire variants fall in this expansive range.
Competition
Competition for purple sapphires comes mainly in the form of other purple coloured gemstones. With the main gemstone type being the lustrous amethyst. However, when it comes to the quality scales, value is a key factor. Since purple sapphires rank at the very top when it comes to gemstone varieties that command higher value, the question of what is the right purple coloured gemstone for your, choice will often come down to the quality of the gemstone. Which in the world of sapphires pertains to the Cs. Not the 4Cs of diamonds, but the 6Cs of sapphires. Which works on the foundation established by the 4Cs of Colour, Carat, Clarity, and Cut. But is tailored to the particular character of sapphires, and incorporates two other key factors. Which you can learn about here.
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