Burmese Sapphire
Mogok sapphire characteristics, inclusions, and market position relative to Kashmir and Ceylon.
burma myanmar mogok sapphire corundum
Introduction
While overshadowed by its famous ruby, Mogok also produces exceptional
sapphires. Burmese sapphires occupy a premium tier in the market,
valued below Kashmir but above most other sources including Ceylon
for comparable quality.
Characteristics
What defines Mogok sapphire:
Colour
- Ideal: Royal blue; vivid saturation
- Tone: Medium to medium-dark
- Modifier: Pure blue or slight violet
- Character: Rich, saturated colour
Optical Properties
- Fluorescence: Often more than Ceylon
- UV response: Red fluorescence from trace chromium
- Lustre: Excellent in fine stones
- Silk: Variable; contributes to character
Quality Range
- Clarity: Variable; can be very clean
- Fine stones: Exceptional colour and clarity
- Commercial: Good quality widely available
- Treatment: Both heated and unheated in market
Inclusions
Market Position
Burmese sapphire in the hierarchy:
Value Ranking
- Kashmir: Highest (historic, extremely rare)
- Burma: Second tier (premium source)
- Ceylon: Third tier (fine quality, better availability)
- Madagascar/other: Fourth tier (good value)
Premium Factors
- Vivid colour commands premium
- Unheated material more valuable
- Larger sizes increasingly rare
- Origin certification recommended
Comparison
Burmese Sapphire
- Royal blue colour
- Good fluorescence
- Premium pricing
- Limited supply
- Ethical concerns for some buyers
Ceylon Sapphire
- Lighter, brighter blue
- Excellent brilliance
- Better availability
- Wide quality range
- Generally preferred ethically
Treatment
Enhancement considerations:
- Heat treatment: Common in market
- Purpose: Improves colour, dissolves silk
- Unheated premium: Significant for fine stones
- Disclosure: Required; check certificates
- Laboratory reports: Recommended for purchases
Fancy Colour Sapphires
Beyond blue, Mogok produces:
- Pink sapphire: Good quality available
- Yellow sapphire: Limited but fine material
- Padparadscha-type: Rare pink-orange
- Star sapphire: Six-rayed asterism
- Colour-change: Some exceptional examples