💎 How Do Sapphires Get Their Colour?
🟦 The Colourful World of Sapphires
Sapphires aren’t just blue—they come in a rainbow of hues, from soft pink to vibrant yellow to mysterious green. But what gives sapphires their stunning colours? Let’s explore the natural chemistry behind these beautiful gems in a simple and fascinating way.
🔬 Sapphire vs Ruby: Same Family, Different Colours
Both sapphires and rubies belong to the corundum family, a mineral made of aluminium oxide (Al₂O₃).
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Pure corundum is colourless.
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When trace elements like chromium, iron, or titanium enter the crystal structure, they create colour.
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If the gem is red, it's called a ruby.
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Every other colour is known as a sapphire—including blue, pink, purple, yellow, and green!
🌈 What Causes Each Colour?
| Colour | What Causes It? |
|---|---|
| Blue Sapphire | Iron + Titanium |
| Ruby (Red) | Chromium |
| Pink Sapphire | Less Chromium than ruby |
| Purple Sapphire | Chromium + Blue trace elements |
| Yellow Sapphire | Usually Iron |
| Green Sapphire | Iron (in a different structure) |
| White Sapphire | No impurities (pure corundum) |
Why Are Teal Sapphires Often Blue-Green?
Many Teal sapphires contain higher levels of iron, which can give them a secondary greenish hue—even in blue stones. That’s why they often appear as blue-green or teal sapphires. These are increasingly popular and unique!
🛡️ Is the Quality Different Between Colours?
Nope!
Regardless of colour, all natural sapphires share the same outstanding qualities:
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Hardness: 9 on the Mohs scale (second only to diamonds)
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Toughness: Excellent for everyday wear
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Durability: Perfect for rings, earrings, or heirloom jewelry
The only thing that changes is colour and rarity—everything else stays equally brilliant and strong.
Explore Sapphires by Colour at NashGems
We’re working on an updated colour guide to help you choose the perfect sapphire. In the meantime, browse our collections:
🔗 Shop Blue Sapphires →
🔗 Shop Teal Sapphires →
🔗 Shop Pink Sapphires →
📘 Bonus Tip Section
💡 Did You Know?
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Green sapphires are among the rarest, often overlooked in favour of blues or pinks.
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Some sapphires show colour zoning, giving them a natural two-tone appearance.
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Colour intensity is often more valuable than size.
