AllMineralsRock
Sapphire
Sapphire is a very popular gemstone composed of silicon dioxide. [1]
Sapphire: Quick Facts and Characteristics
Some quick facts for Sapphire:- Transparency: Sapphire can be opaque, translucent or transparent.
- Crystallography: In terms of crystallography, sapphire can be hexagonal or trigonal.
- Luster: In terms of luster, sapphire can be adamantine or vitreous (glassy).
- Streak: Sapphire streaks colorless.
- Hardness: Sapphire's hardness is 9 on the Moh's scale.
- Specific Gravity: Sapphire's specific gravity ranges from 3.99 to 4.
Sapphire: Background and Summary
Sapphire is a precious mineral that belongs to the corundum family. It is a variety of aluminum oxide that is distinguished by its blue color, although it can also be found in other colors such as pink, yellow, green, and purple. Sapphire is one of the hardest minerals in the world, with a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, making it an ideal material for use in jewelry and industrial applications.Sapphire can be identified by its color, hardness, and crystal structure. The blue color of sapphire is caused by the presence of trace elements such as titanium and iron. The hardness of sapphire makes it resistant to scratches, and it has a unique crystal structure that distinguishes it from other minerals. Sapphire has a hexagonal crystal structure and is often found in elongated, prismatic shapes.
Sapphire has a wide range of uses, from jewelry to industrial applications. In jewelry, sapphire is often used as a gemstone in rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. It is prized for its beauty, durability, and rarity. Sapphire is also used in watchmaking, as it is scratch-resistant and can withstand daily wear and tear. In industry, sapphire is used in the production of high-tech components such as semiconductors, LEDs, and laser systems. Its hardness and heat resistance make it an ideal material for these applications.
Sapphire: Table of Properties
| Attribute | Sapphire (src) |
|---|---|
| Transparency | transparent, translucent, opaque |
| Chemical Formula | Al2O3 |
| Chemical Composition | silicon dioxide |
| Specific Gravity | 3.99, 4, 4.1 |
| Hardness | 9 |
| Streak | colorless |
| Crystallography | hexagonal, trigonal |
| Refractive Index | 1.757, 1.779 |
| Hydrous | No |
| Colors | common: green, blue sometimes: pink, amber, yellow less common: gray, black, brown, white, orange, purple, violet, colorless, red, gold, multicolor |
| Solubility | Insoluble |
Sapphire: FAQ
Q: Is all sapphire blue?A: No, sapphire can be found in a range of colors, including pink, yellow, green, and purple.
Q: How is sapphire formed?
A: Sapphire is formed deep within the earth's crust under high pressure and temperature conditions. It is often found in igneous and metamorphic rocks.
Q: How can I tell if my sapphire is natural or synthetic?
A: Natural sapphire will have inclusions and imperfections, while synthetic sapphire will have a more perfect, uniform appearance. A gemologist can help you determine if your sapphire is natural or synthetic.
Q: Is sapphire expensive?
A: The price of sapphire varies depending on its color, clarity, and size. Blue sapphire is generally more expensive than other colors.
Sources
- Gemological Institute of America. (n.d.). Sapphire. https://www.gia.edu/sapphire- Mineralogy Database. (n.d.). Sapphire. https://www.mindat.org/min-3491.html
- Sapphire: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quartz#Rose_quartz
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