Pink Sapphire

 
 

Pink sapphires are a type of corundum gemstone that get their beautiful pink color from trace amounts of chromium, iron, and titanium present during their formation. Here are some of the key features that make pink sapphires such a sought-after gemstone:

  1. Color: Pink sapphires are prized for their beautiful pink hues, which can range from pale pink to deep rose. The color is caused by the presence of chromium and other trace elements, which absorb certain wavelengths of light and give the stone its distinctive pink color.

  2. Clarity: Pink sapphires are often transparent and free from inclusions, which can affect their beauty and value. However, some pink sapphires may have visible inclusions that create interesting patterns and textures within the stone.

  3. Hardness: Pink sapphires are one of the hardest gemstones, ranking 9 on the Mohs hardness scale. This makes them durable and able to withstand daily wear and tear.

  4. Rarity: Pink sapphires are rarer than other colors of sapphire, making them more valuable. Pink sapphires can be found in several locations around the world, including Madagascar, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Myanmar (Burma), and Australia.

  5. Symbolism: Pink sapphires have long been associated with love, romance, and emotional healing. They are often used in engagement rings and other types of jewelry to symbolize love and commitment.

Overall, pink sapphires are a beautiful and rare gemstone that are highly prized for their unique color, clarity, hardness, and symbolism.

There are many famous pink sapphires, but here are a few notable examples:

  1. The Logan Sapphire - While not exclusively a pink sapphire, this 423-carat stone contains a large pink sapphire at its center. The Logan Sapphire is one of the largest and most valuable sapphires in the world, and is currently housed at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.

  2. The Rosser Reeves Star Ruby - This 138.7-carat star ruby from Sri Lanka also contains pink sapphire crystals. It was owned by the advertising executive Rosser Reeves, who donated it to the Smithsonian in 1965.

  3. The Pink Star Sapphire - This 59.60-carat oval-shaped pink star sapphire was once owned by actress Joan Crawford. It was auctioned by Christie's in 1979 for over $500,000.

  4. The Star of Bombay - This 182-carat star sapphire from Sri Lanka is primarily blue, but also contains pink sapphire crystals. It was given to actress Mary Pickford by her husband, Douglas Fairbanks Sr., and later sold to an anonymous buyer in 1988 for $3.85 million.

  5. The Catherine the Great Pink Sapphire - This 330-carat pink sapphire was owned by Catherine the Great, Empress of Russia. It is now part of the collection at the Diamond Fund in Moscow.