Why are Yogo sapphires so expensive?
- While it is estimated that 5.6 tons (or 28 million carats) of Yogo Sapphires are still in the ground, the excavation of them is costly and difficult, which keeps their scarcity and relative price high.
- The U.S. Geological Survey and many gem experts have stated that Yogos are “among the world’s finest sapphires”.
Consequently, 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 a Montana Yogo Sapphire? 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.
in the same way, What do Montana sapphires look like? 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.
What kind of rock are Yogo sapphires found in? They are found in a system of igneous intrusions called dikes. There are six main dikes that form the centre of the Yogo sapphire deposit. All are composed of a type of igneous rock called a lamprophyre.
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.
What is a cornflower blue sapphire?
Cornflower Blue Sapphire is the highly sought after color variety of Sapphire that bears pure blue hue similar to the color of a cornflower. It is found in light to medium color tone and comes from a variety of origins including Kashmir (India), Ceylon (Sri Lanka), Madagascar and Burma (Myanmar).
What is 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.
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 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.
Are darker or lighter 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 Colour are the best sapphires?
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.
Why is my sapphire so dark?
Black sapphire is an aluminum oxide mineral that usually forms in crystals. These stones appear to absorb any light that hits them. They range from translucent to opaque but don’t reflect much light in either case. The color ranges from blue-black to gray.
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 do you test before wearing blue sapphire?
Another way to test the true Neelam stone is to test its hardness and Density. The larger the gem, then the higher their price of the blue sapphire. Moreover, this does not lead to the occurrence of natural stones.
Can you mine Yogo sapphires?
Mining Yogo sapphires has been much more troublesome than other deposits because of the fact that Yogo sapphires occur within a vertical Dike. Through the years, mining efforts have been off and on and rarely profitable. The Yogo mine was recently closed again, this time due to the untimely death Mike Roberts.
Where is sapphire most commonly found?
Many of the gems come from Asia, where stones are found in the mines of Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Afghanistan, and other countries. Mines can also be found in Australia and the African nations of Tanzania, Kenya, Nigeria, and Madagascar.
Why are Montana sapphires so expensive?
Due to the limited resources for the Montana sapphires, a majority of the natural Montana sapphires will be under 1ct. To be specific, the majority is under 1/2ct and a very limited supply of the sapphires are over 1ct, which makes the stone substantially more expensive per carat.
Are Montana sapphires more valuable?
Montana Sapphire To be specific, the majority is under 1/2ct and a very limited supply of the sapphires are over 1ct, which makes the stone substantially more expensive per carat.
