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.
Consequently, What is so special about Montana sapphire? One of the most striking differences is their color. Sapphires from Montana are unique in that they naturally occur in light pastels, unique blue-greens, and smoky grays. So, a Montana sapphire could be a calming leaf green or a sky blue-grey.
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.
in the same way, What is Montana Yogo Sapphire? Yogo sapphires are blue sapphires, a colored variety of corundum, found in Montana, primarily in Yogo Gulch (part of the Little Belt Mountains) in Judith Basin County, Montana. Yogo sapphires are typically cornflower blue, a result of trace amounts of iron and titanium.
What is a teal Montana sapphire? Teal Montana Sapphire: This captivating jewel is a type of ‘fancy sapphire’ and can be found in different shades ranging from medium blue to green. Currently, the rarest and most desired ones are those with an equal mix of blue and green.
Why is it called Montana sapphire?
The gold rush sent prospectors up every river and creek in Montana in search of gold. In some cases, gold was not found, but sapphires were — and in abundance! One of the creeks being prospected for gold was Rock Creek in western Montana, in what became known as the Sapphire Mountains.
Are unheated sapphires more valuable?
Are natural, no-heat sapphires more rare and valuable? Yes, sapphires that have not undergone any color or clarity enhancement along the supply chain (mine to retail) are rare and therefore more valuable than heated sapphires that are abundant in the market.
How can you tell if a sapphire has been heated?
What stone is Montana known for?
Montana is known as the Treasure State because it is rich in many mineral and gemstone sources, including two types of sapphires: the Yogo Sapphire from the central area of the state, and Fancy Montana Sapphires found mostly in the western half of the state.
Can a real sapphire be scratched?
Sapphires are very durable, so while they do scratch and can chip, you’ll probably get many years of wear. Eventually, you may notice some scratches, and you can always have your sapphire resurfaced.
How can you tell a good quality sapphire?
You want to look for a sapphire that has no inclusions visible to the naked eye. experts look at the size, location and number of inclusions to judge clarity. The less visible the inclusions are, the higher the grade. Cut: The cut is essentially what makes a sapphire really sparkle.
How do I value a sapphire?
Color and size or weight are the most important factors in determining the price of a sapphire. Beyond the color, clarity, and cut details need to be assessed. A sapphire stone can always be re-cut, so clarity is probably more important.
How can you tell the difference between a natural and synthetic sapphire?
Scientists create Lab sapphire, whereas the earth makes natural sapphire. In addition, natural sapphire comes in more colors and clarities than lab sapphire. For example, lab blue sapphire will always be a pure blue, without tint. On the other hand, natural sapphire can also be greenish blue or violet blue.
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.
What is the rarest color of sapphire?
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 blue should sapphires be?
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.
