Sapphirine Value, Price, and Jewelry Information

Comments

Sapphirine has loaned its name to the sapphirine mineral supergroup, which contains three subgroups, including the sapphirine group.

Although sapphirines occur in transparent grains, facetable crystals are exceedingly rare.

Despite its name and most well-known color, sapphirine is a gem species distinct from sapphire. However, like sapphire, it too occurs in more colors than blue, albeit rarely. These colors include shades of violet, purple, green, pink, and brown. In 2007, a red variety was discovered in Tanzania. In addition, sapphirines can show very strong trichroic colors depending on the viewing angle.

"Sapphirine Chalcedony"

The term "sapphirine" has sometimes been applied incorrectly to blue specimens of chalcedony, crystalline quartz, and spinel. One specific usage in art history persists. The gemologist Fred Gray writes that the ancient Greeks created scarab-like seal rings and particularly favored light blue chalcedony. In recent times, this material received the French name of "sapphirine."

Identifying Characteristics

Sapphirine's refractive indices (RI) are close to those of idocrase. However, the former has a biaxial negative optic character. (Please note that idocrase may be anomalously biaxial). Sapphirines also exceed idocrase in specific gravity (SG).

An unusual, 1.54-ct, oval-cut, purplish-pink specimen from Sri Lanka (initially reported as idocrase) had the following properties: 

• RI = 1.701-1.707 with a β = 1.705.
• Birefringence = 0.006.
• SG = 3.51.

The rare red sapphirine from Tanzania reportedly has the following luminescent properties under ultraviolet light (UV):

• Longwave UV: dull red.
• Shortwave UV: weak orange.

Serendibite, another rare mineral in the sapphirine supergroup, also occurs very rarely in gem-quality condition. Since the 1990s, faceted serendibites have begun to appear on the market. While sapphirines and serendibites may appear very similar and have overlapping properties, sapphirines usually have higher RIs and hardness.

Synthetics

Scientists have synthesized sapphirines for geological research. However, there is no known jewelry use for this material.

Enhancements

No known gem treatments.

Sources

Madagascar and Sri Lanka are the principal producers of gem-quality sapphirines.

Other gem-quality sources include the following:

• United States: Keweenaw Peninsula, Michigan; Lake Superior, Minnesota; Milford, Utah.
• Australia; Canada; Czech Republic; Greenland; Italy; Japan; South Africa; Sweden; Tanzania; Thailand; Scotland, United Kingdom.

Care

With a hardness of 7.5 and poor or indistinct cleavage, sapphirines would make good stones for everyday jewelry wear, especially if you like their classic blue appearance. Though small, most gem-quality stones are generally eye clean. These gemstones require no special care or cleaning methods.

Joel E. Arem, Ph.D., FGA

Dr. Joel E. Arem has more than 60 years of experience in the world of gems and minerals. After obtaining his Ph.D. in Mineralogy from Harvard University, he has published numerous books that are still among the most widely used references and guidebooks on crystals, gems and minerals in the world.

Co-founder and President of numerous organizations, Dr. Arem has enjoyed a lifelong career in mineralogy and gemology. He has been a Smithsonian scientist and Curator, a consultant to many well-known companies and institutions, and a prolific author and speaker. Although his main activities have been as a gem cutter and dealer, his focus has always been education. joelarem.com

View All Articles

International Gem Society

View All Articles