Madagascan Blue Sapphire Value

Twelve untreated madagascar blue sapphire samples selected from parcels from three locations were prepared for the heating experiments.

Madagascan blue sapphire value. Samples 1 4 were collected by rosey perkins in 2017 in bemainty madagascar. Samples 5 8 were purchased by a team from lotus gemology on a 2016 trip to ilakaka madagascar. As we heat to higher levels these fissures begin to heal at the edges. Cornflower blue eye clean.

At 900 c the largest crystal has developed a large shiny fracture around it and the color zoning has lightened slightly. Natural blue sapphire pear single. Before heat treatment sample 6 shows a group of small crystals within decolorized areas as well as distinctive swaths of color zoning. In november 2014 the blue belle of asia a 392 52 carat ceylon sapphire was sold for over 17 million setting the record for the most expensive sapphire ever sold at auction.

In addition to sapphire a large variety of other gemstones are mined from madagascar including fine rubies tourmaline aquamarine emerald garnet. Blue sapphires usually have some inclusions but generally have better clarity than rubies. Color is the most important element in estimating the value of blue sapphire. Heating of a madagascar sapphire a.

The most expensive sapphire was sold on record costing 135 000 per carat. Blue sapphire from madagascar is often darker in color but not as inky when compared to many australian sapphire. 7 1 x 5 3 x 3 7 mm. None untreated in any way.

Untreated natural blue sapphire these precious stones come direct from mines. This record breaking sale is a testament to the rapidly growing sapphire market and the high value that sapphires can command during a sale. The vast quantities of madagascar sapphire keep good quality sapphire prices very affordable especially in the pinks. Many sapphires on the market are actually grayish.

Top sapphires reach vivid saturation. Fancy color sapphire from madagascar is often quite vivid and clean. Madagascar can t compete with the mystique of kashmir burma or even montana and sri lanka but it can compete on color and quality. So when major sapphire deposits were found in madagascar in 1998 it created a sensation in the gems world and a gemstone fever in madagascar reminiscient of the gold rush in california in 1849.

Although hue counts the closer to a pure blue the better saturation is more important. Madagascar blue sapphire new gem deposits are always being found in some part of the world or other but large finds are very rare. Sapphire s value depends mainly on color but country of origin also affects value. Madagascar is a relative newcomer as a major sapphire source but its stones can have an intense blue.