What are Montana sapphires called?
- 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.
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 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.
Besides, 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.
Which are the best sapphires? Blue Sapphires Color has the greatest influence on a sapphire’s value, and preferred sapphires have strong to vivid color saturation. 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.
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.
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.
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.
What color is Montana sapphire?
Most of the sapphires from Montana are a pale green to blue-green when they are mined, with very limited numbers of deep blues and other fancy colors such as yellow, orange, violet and pink.
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.
Where are Montana sapphires found?
Fancy Montana Sapphires are found in three major areas in the western half of the state: Missouri River near Helena, Rock Creek in the Sapphire Mountains, and Dry Cottonwood near Deer Lodge. These sapphires vary greatly from the Yogo Sapphire in that most of the sapphires require heat treating.
