Why are Yogo Sapphires so expensive?
- These Yogo Sapphires are extremely rare.
- If mining resumes, deeper mining will be needed to find these beautiful gems.
- Between mine closures and a need for deeper mining, the ultimate cost to recover these stones will increase.
Are Yogo Sapphires still mined? History and Information about Yogo Sapphires Because Yogo sapphires occur within a vertically dipping resistive igneous dike, mining efforts have been sporadic and rarely profitable. It is estimated that at least 28 million carats (5.6 t or 5.5 long tons or 6.2 short tons) of Yogos are still in the ground.
Accordingly Do Montana sapphires change color? Some Montana sapphires from the Missouri River deposit can show color change. Color change in these sapphires results from the trace element vanadium. Often, they appear blue in daylight and violet to purple in incandescent light. Pale colors shift from sky blue to lavender.
Besides, What is Peacock sapphire? The term “Peacock Sapphire,” simply refers to the glorious blue green hue of a Montana sapphire, which is similar to the colorful feathers of a peacock. And while these unique sapphires are a class all their own, their crystal structure composition is the same as a classic cobalt sapphire, made from corundum.
Where can I find Yogo sapphires? The major deposits found in Montana are in the Yogo Gulch in central Montana, the Missouri River near Helena, Dry Cottonwood Creek near Deer Lodge, and the Rock Creek deposit in the Sapphire Mountains near Philipsburg.
Who owns the Yogo mine?
Because of this, we are ecstatic to announce: Don Baide has purchased the Vortex mine and will begin operations soon. For a full explanation of the one of a kind geological formation as well as the entire history of the mine, read through our Sapphires of Montana page and our Yogo Sapphire Gemology article.
Is a Montana sapphire a real sapphire?
A Montana sapphire is, simply, a sapphire from Montana. Yogo sapphires are also Montana sapphires, but originate from a particular deposit known for its excellent cornflower blue color. Both sapphires and rubies are gem-quality corundum. Rubies are the red variety, while all other colors are sapphires.
How rare are Montana sapphires?
Are Montana Sapphires Rare? Montana sapphire is not found in very large rough pieces. Considering that a rough nugget will yield a cut stone only about 1/3 of the original size means that large, fine quality faceted Montana sapphires are very rare.
Are Montana sapphires good quality?
Unique colors, high clarity, USA-born status, and great durability make Montana Sapphires shine. Montana Sapphires are part of the larger gem family “corundum.” Corundum is a hard stone, at a 9 out of 10 on the Mohs scale, making it very durable to wear in jewelry.
How do I clean a Montana sapphire?
The best way to clean your sapphire jewelry is with warm soapy water and a soft brush, avoiding soaking the stone. Always avoid harsh detergents, and never clean your jewelry with solvents such as alcohol, acetone or paint thinner.
Why are Yogo sapphires so expensive?
These Yogo Sapphires are extremely rare. If mining resumes, deeper mining will be needed to find these beautiful gems. Between mine closures and a need for deeper mining, the ultimate cost to recover these stones will increase.
Are Montana sapphires heat treated?
The heat treatment process is done to not only improve the clarity but also to “develop” the color of the stone. The blue color in sapphires comes from the interaction of titanium and iron trapped in the crystal lattice. Tiny amounts of each mineral interact in a way that produces a beautiful blue color in the gem.
Are Yogo sapphires still mined?
History and Information about Yogo Sapphires Because Yogo sapphires occur within a vertically dipping resistive igneous dike, mining efforts have been sporadic and rarely profitable. It is estimated that at least 28 million carats (5.6 t or 5.5 long tons or 6.2 short tons) of Yogos are still in the ground.
What is the rarest sapphire color?
What is the rarest sapphire color? The two rarest sapphire colors are Padparadscha and cornflower blue. The most prized sapphires are Kashmir sapphires of a bright, velvety blue from the mountains in India. The last Kashmir sapphire was mined in 1927.
How old are Montana sapphires?
Sapphires have been known to occur in Montana for over 150 years and have been actively mined there for more than 100 years. However, even with all of that history they still do not have the recognition I feel they deserve.
How can I tell if my sapphire is real?
You can identify a real sapphire by quickly fogging it up. Track how long it takes the mist to disappear completely. If it is natural stone, the mist will disappear within a few seconds. On the other hand, if a sapphire crystal is synthetic, it will take a few more seconds to disappear.
How can you tell if a sapphire is Ceylon?
Ceylon stones have a true cobalt blue color, unlike an Australian or Thai stone that has more of a black-blue color. Because Ceylon sapphires tend to be on the lighter side of the color spectrum, they are generally cut very deep in order to bring out the saturation of color.
What is best quality sapphire?
The best color for a natural blue sapphire is an intense, velvety, deep royal blue. This color of sapphire would be considered AAA quality, the rarest and most valuable. The second best color is a medium rich blue, or AA quality. Any blue sapphires that have a slight gray undertone fit into the A category.
Are Darker sapphires more valuable?
The most valued blue sapphires are velvety blue to violetish blue, in medium to medium-dark tones. Sapphires with these qualities command the highest prices per carat. Less valuable blue sapphires might also be grayish, too light, or too dark.
What can damage a sapphire?
Fracture-filled, cavity-filled, and dyed stones can be damaged by even mild acids like lemon juice. Warm, soapy water is always safe. Ultrasonic and steam cleaners are usually safe for untreated, heat-treated, and lattice diffusion treated stones.
