Types of gemstones

Sapphires are one of the three precious colored gemstones. The others being Rubies and Emeralds. It is a variety of the mineral Corundum which is a mineral that includes both sapphires and rubies. Red corundum is known as ruby and all other colored corundum are known as sapphires with blue being the most common. Sapphires that are not blue are known as fancy sapphires and can occur in yellow, purple, orange, and green colors; “parti sapphires” show two or more colors. Sapphires are the single most versatile stone with so many color choices and a hardness only beaten by diamonds..

Composition, Formation & Origins

Chemically, sapphires are composed of aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃). What gives sapphires their stunning colors are trace elements that become incorporated into the crystal structure during formation. For example:
Blue sapphires owe their color to the presence of iron and titanium.
Pink sapphires contain traces of chromium.
Yellow and green sapphires are influenced by a combination of iron and other elements.
Sapphires have a trigonal crystal system, forming hexagonal prismatic crystals. They are exceptionally hard, ranking 9 on the Mohs scale—just below diamonds—making them suitable for daily wear in all types of jewelry.

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Where Are sapphires Found?

The world’s finest sapphires come from a handful of renowned sources, each with distinct qualities:

Sri Lanka (Ceylon): Known for vibrant, light-colored sapphires—from sky blue to cornflower—and a variety of fancy colors.
Myanmar (Burma): Famed for deep, richly saturated “Burmese” blues with a silky luster.
Kashmir (India): Exceptionally rare, with velvety, deep blue hues prized by collectors.
Madagascar: A modern leader in sapphire production, offering high-quality stones in blue, pink, and yellow.
Other sources: Australia, Thailand, and Cambodia also yield sapphires with unique characteristics.
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Nature’s Most Colorful Gem

Color has the greatest influence on a sapphire’s value, and preferred sapphires have strong to vivid blue color saturation. The most valued blue sapphires are velvety blue to violet 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.

While the classic deep blue sapphire is perhaps the most iconic, sapphires come in a breathtaking array of colors, each with its own unique allure and value. These variations in color are due to the presence of different trace elements and the influence of various factors during the gemstone’s formation.

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Precious Gemstones

Sapphires

Emeralds

Rubies

Diamond

Color: Colorless to various shades (yellow, pink, blue, etc.)
Characteristics: Known for its exceptional hardness (10 on the Mohs scale) and brilliance. Diamonds are valued for their clarity, cut, and color

Sapphire

Color: Primarily blue, but can occur in various colors including pink, yellow, and green (excluding red, which is classified as ruby)
Characteristics: Another variety of corundum, sapphires are prized for their hardness (9 on the Mohs scale) and color. Blue sapphires are the most famous, but fancy sapphires in other colors are also highly valued.

Ruby

Color: Various shades of red, from pinkish to deep red (often termed “pigeon blood red”)
Characteristics: A variety of corundum, valued for its intense color and hardness (9 on the Mohs scale). Rubies are known for their rich, vivid hues and are often used in high-end jewelry.

Emerald

Color: Green, ranging from light to deep green
Characteristics: A variety of beryl, known for its distinct green color and moderate hardness (7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale). Emeralds are often valued for their vibrant green hue and historical significance, despite commonly having inclusions.

Primary Semi-Precious Gemstones

Amethyst

Garnet

Citrine

Topaz

Peridot

Aquamarine

Tourmaline

Moonstone

Opal

Turquoise

Lapis Lazuli

Jasper

Onyx

Chrysoprase

Labradorite

Sardonyx

Malachite

Spinal

While there are hundreds of semi-precious gemstones in the world, we’ve curated this list to focus on the 18 types that are most popular and widely used in jewelry and decorative pieces. These selections include stones that offer the best combination of beauty, availability, and market demand. By concentrating on these key gemstones, we ensure that our customers have access to the most versatile and sought-after options, ranging from timeless classics to trendy favorites.