Blue sapphires of fine quality typically contain 15% purple or violet and 85% blue with no green or gray present.Ĭlarity should be considered when selecting a sapphire. Secondary hues include purple, violet and green, with the first two being more desired as they enhance the stone and green less so. Blue sapphires are evaluated on the purity of their primary hue. One of the most highly treasured sapphires is called Padparadscha and exhibits a slightly pinkish-orange color.

In its purest state, corundum is colorless, and while rare, these colorless sapphires are a popular diamond alternative. Sapphires with intense saturation, in any color, are considered the most desirable. Most sapphires are heat-treated or irradiated to enhance their color at the time they are mined. The more trace element present, the darker the coloring. Vanadium creates a purple sapphire and trace elements of iron result in a very pale yellow to green color. When chromium is present, you get a pink sapphire. When the trace elements are iron and titanium, the corundum is blue sapphire. Most corundum contains trace elements that create different sapphire colors. Sapphires are available in various colors, including blue, pink, orange, yellow, green, purple and colorless. Color is of the utmost importance when selecting a sapphire.

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