Australian Sapphire
Australian sapphire characteristics including parti-sapphires, dark blues, and comparison with Asian sources.
australia sapphire parti-sapphire corundum
Introduction
Australia has been a significant sapphire producer since the 1850s,
with major alluvial deposits in New South Wales and Queensland.
While often darker than Ceylon or Burmese material, Australian
sapphires offer excellent value and distinctive parti-colour varieties.
Sources
Major Australian sapphire regions:
New South Wales
- Inverell: Major production centre
- Glen Innes: Significant deposits
- Character: Alluvial deposits in basalt areas
- History: Mining since 1850s
Queensland
- Anakie: Historic sapphire fields
- Rubyvale: Active production area
- Gemfields: Extends across central Queensland
- Volume: Substantial commercial production
Colour Characteristics
Distinctive Australian sapphire colours:
Blue Sapphire
- Typical colour: Often dark; "inky" appearance
- Tone: Medium-dark to very dark
- Saturation: Can be quite saturated
- Iron content: Higher than Ceylon/Burma
- Treatment: Heat treatment common
Parti-Sapphire
- Character: Zoned colours in single stone
- Combinations: Blue/green/yellow typical
- Appeal: Unique, distinctive appearance
- Market: Growing collector interest
Other Colours
- Yellow: Significant production
- Green: Common; iron-related colour
- Fancy colours: Various shades available
Parti-Sapphire Specialty
Australian vs Asian Sapphire
Australian
- Often darker, inky blue
- Higher iron content
- Less fluorescence
- More green/yellow modifiers
- Lower prices typically
- Parti-sapphires unique
Ceylon/Burma
- Lighter, brighter blue
- Lower iron content
- Better fluorescence
- Purer blue colour
- Higher market value
- Classic sapphire appearance
Treatment
Enhancement of Australian sapphire:
- Heat treatment: Very common
- Purpose: Lightens dark stones, improves colour
- Disclosure: Required; generally accepted
- Unheated: Premium if naturally good colour
- Beryllium diffusion: Some material treated
Market Position
Australian sapphire in the marketplace:
- Volume: Major commercial supplier globally
- Value: Below Ceylon/Burma for comparable quality
- Advantage: Excellent value for money
- Treatment: Common; factor in pricing
- Parti-sapphires: Niche but growing market
- Yellow sapphires: Competitive quality available
Chrysoprase
Australia's other notable coloured stone:
Queensland Source
- Location: Marlborough, Queensland
- Quality: Finest chrysoprase in world
- Colour: Apple green to deep green
- Chromophore: Nickel
Characteristics
- Species: Chalcedony (cryptocrystalline quartz)
- Translucency: Semi-translucent ideal
- Colour stability: May fade in strong light
- Hardness: 6.5-7 (durable for jewellery)
Market
- Premium over other chrysoprase sources
- Fine material increasingly scarce
- Often cut as cabochons
- Some faceted for effect