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Australian Sapphires on the Rise
The Allure of the Australian Sapphire: Unveiling a Gemstone Legacy Down Under
Deep blues mirroring the vastness of the oceans, fiery yellows reminiscent of a sunlit horizon, and mesmerising greens echoing the lushness of the rainforests—sapphires have always been symbols of nature's breathtaking palette.
Yet, amidst the global narratives of these gems, Australia's chapter is relatively young, but intensely captivating. From the heart of the Australian outback to the pristine showcases of world-renowned jewellers, the tale of the Australian sapphire is rich with adventure, challenges, and an undeniable legacy of beauty.
Since their discovery, these gemstones have painted a picture of Australia's geological and cultural tapestry, giving gem enthusiasts and historians alike a new story to cherish. But what makes the Australian sapphire's journey even more fascinating?
It's the harmonious blend of the gemstone's pristine beauty, the challenges of its extraction in Australia's diverse terrains, the resilience of the miners, and the global admiration it has garnered in a relatively short span of time.
As we delve deeper into this saga, we will explore the nuances of the Australian sapphire’s discovery, its rise to global prominence, and its unique place in the world of gemology. Strap in for a shimmering ride through the annals of Australia's gemstone history.
Geological Backdrop
Australian sapphire, like many natural wonders, is a testament to the patience and persistence of Mother Nature. Over millions of years, through volcanic eruptions, cooling processes, and erosions, these gems have found their way from the Earth's mantle to our jewellery boxes.
So, the next time you admire an Australian sapphire, remember you're not just looking at a stone, but a fragment of Australia's rich geological history.
The formation of sapphires in Australia is closely tied to its unique geological history. Approximately 50 to 100 million years ago, volcanic activity was prevalent in eastern Australia. As the lava flowed and subsequently cooled, it solidified to form basalt. It is within these ancient lava flows that our story truly begins.
As the molten basaltic lava rose from the mantle, it carried with it tiny sapphire crystals from the Earth's deeper layers. As this lava solidified near the surface, these sapphires got trapped within the basalt's matrix. Over time, erosion processes wore down the basalt, releasing the sapphires into riverbeds and streams. It's in these alluvial deposits, after millions of years of geological activity, that sapphire mining predominantly occurs in Australia today.
So, the next time you admire an Australian sapphire, remember you're not just looking at a stone, but a fragment of Australia's rich geological history.
The formation of sapphires in Australia is closely tied to its unique geological history. Approximately 50 to 100 million years ago, volcanic activity was prevalent in eastern Australia. As the lava flowed and subsequently cooled, it solidified to form basalt. It is within these ancient lava flows that our story truly begins.
As the molten basaltic lava rose from the mantle, it carried with it tiny sapphire crystals from the Earth's deeper layers. As this lava solidified near the surface, these sapphires got trapped within the basalt's matrix. Over time, erosion processes wore down the basalt, releasing the sapphires into riverbeds and streams. It's in these alluvial deposits, after millions of years of geological activity, that sapphire mining predominantly occurs in Australia today.
From Discovery to Today
1851
The first documented discovery at the Sapphire Creek in New South Wales (NSW).
1870 Australia started producing sapphires in commercial quantities, with key mining areas being established around Anakie in Queensland and Inverell in NSW.
1880 As German merchants brought Australian sapphires to Europe, it wasn’t long before these gems caught the eye of Russian jewellers and the aristocracy in Tzarist Russia.
1919 During the First World War with the onset of the war and Germany becoming an adversary, this trade link would have been significantly hampered, further affecting the Australian sapphire market in Europe.
1960s Asian traders, recognising the potential of Australian sapphires, began investing in the Australian sapphire mining sector. Thailand had established itself as a global centre for gemstone processing, particularly for sapphires.
1970-1980s was a significant decade for the Australian sapphire industry, marked by a boom that put Australian sapphires firmly on the global map.
1990s NSW production declines dramatically from its late 1970s peak. Most mining moves to Queensland fields.
2000s saw an intensification of global trade, which meant Australian sapphires faced stiff competition from emerging markets especially those in Africa such as Madagascar.
2010 The rise and dominance of social media platforms and e-commerce sites. Instagram, in particular, became a hotspot for showcasing gemstones and finished jewellry, allowing Australian sapphire vendors to tap into global markets directly.
2020s Rise of Australian Sapphires. Major multinational corporations have initiated investments in the Australian mining sector.
Today Increasing global demand for Australian parti, yellow, green and teal colour sapphires. Over the past few years, the prices of Australian sapphires have experienced a remarkable surge. The finest quality stones are sold at
$2000 to $4,000 AUD per carat.
1870 Australia started producing sapphires in commercial quantities, with key mining areas being established around Anakie in Queensland and Inverell in NSW.
1880 As German merchants brought Australian sapphires to Europe, it wasn’t long before these gems caught the eye of Russian jewellers and the aristocracy in Tzarist Russia.
1919 During the First World War with the onset of the war and Germany becoming an adversary, this trade link would have been significantly hampered, further affecting the Australian sapphire market in Europe.
1960s Asian traders, recognising the potential of Australian sapphires, began investing in the Australian sapphire mining sector. Thailand had established itself as a global centre for gemstone processing, particularly for sapphires.
1970-1980s was a significant decade for the Australian sapphire industry, marked by a boom that put Australian sapphires firmly on the global map.
1990s NSW production declines dramatically from its late 1970s peak. Most mining moves to Queensland fields.
2000s saw an intensification of global trade, which meant Australian sapphires faced stiff competition from emerging markets especially those in Africa such as Madagascar.
2010 The rise and dominance of social media platforms and e-commerce sites. Instagram, in particular, became a hotspot for showcasing gemstones and finished jewellry, allowing Australian sapphire vendors to tap into global markets directly.
2020s Rise of Australian Sapphires. Major multinational corporations have initiated investments in the Australian mining sector.
Today Increasing global demand for Australian parti, yellow, green and teal colour sapphires. Over the past few years, the prices of Australian sapphires have experienced a remarkable surge. The finest quality stones are sold at
$2000 to $4,000 AUD per carat.
Australian Parti Sapphires
The term "Parti" is derived from "partition," referencing the separation or partitioning of colours within the stone. The most common colours found in Parti sapphires are blue, yellow, and green, though the combinations can vary.
Color Zoning: The defining characteristic of Parti Sapphires is their unique color zoning. Instead of a uniform hue, these sapphires display two or more colors in the same gemstone. The most common combinations are blue and yellow, but they can also exhibit shades of green, making each stone distinct.
Clarity: As with other Australian sapphires, Parti Sapphires generally offer good clarity. However, the main attraction remains their unique color patterns, which can overshadow the presence of minor inclusions.
Natural Beauty: Many Parti Sapphires retain their natural beauty without undergoing treatments. The naturally occurring color combinations are a major draw for collectors and jewelry enthusiasts alike.
Australian Blue Sapphires
Known for their vibrant hues and remarkable durability, Australian blue sapphires have secured their position in the international gem market as highly sought-after stones.
Clarity: Australian blue sapphires generally have good clarity, although they might contain inclusions. However, these inclusions often do not deter from the stone's overall appeal and can sometimes add unique character to individual gems.
Untreated Gems: A noteworthy aspect of Australian sapphires, including the blue ones, is that many of them are sold untreated. While heat treatment is commonplace in the industry to enhance color and clarity, the natural, untouched beauty of Australian blue sapphires is a point of pride for many gem collectors and enthusiasts.
Australian Green Sapphires
Sourced from the same regions as their more famous counterparts, Australian green sapphires have a unique allure that resonates with gem enthusiasts and jewellery designers alike.
Color: Australian green sapphires exhibit a diverse range of shades, from pale, minty greens to rich, forest hues. The green is often a result of a combination of blue and yellow color zoning within the crystal, creating unique patterns and variations in individual stones.
Clarity: Similar to other Australian sapphires, the green variety often presents with remarkable clarity. However, the presence of rutile inclusions can sometimes lead to a silky appearance, giving the gem a soft glow.
Untreated Gems: A significant portion of Australian sapphires, green included, are sold untreated. While heat treatment is common in the sapphire industry to improve color and clarity, many connoisseurs and collectors prize the natural, untreated stones for their authenticity.
Australian Yellow Sapphires
Among the various hues of sapphires mined in Australia, the yellow variety stands out due to its vibrant sunshine-like color and its distinct characteristics.
Color: Australian yellow sapphires can range in shade from a light lemon tint to a deeper golden hue. What makes them particularly captivating is the depth and saturation of color which can rival more commonly recognized blue sapphires in intensity.
Clarity: Yellow sapphires from Australia generally possess excellent clarity with fewer inclusions than their blue counterparts. This clarity can amplify the stone's brilliance and sparkle when properly cut.
Untreated Gems: One of the significant advantages of Australian yellow sapphires is that a substantial proportion of them are sold untreated. While many sapphires in the market undergo heat treatments to enhance their color and clarity, untreated gems, given their natural beauty, hold a premium value among gem enthusiasts and collectors.
Australian Teal Sapphires
Teal, a blend of blue and green, represents a nuance in sapphire coloration that hasn't always been as popular or recognised as it is today. Nowadays, teal sapphires are one of the most sought-after colours.Color Spectrum: Teal Sapphires exhibit a captivating blend of blue and green. Depending on the individual stone and its source, the color can lean more towards deep oceanic blue or a verdant forest green, with many variations in between.
Clarity: Generally, Australian Teal Sapphires offer commendable clarity, making them sparkle brilliantly when faceted. While inclusions might be present in some stones, they often do not diminish the gem's overall appeal.
Natural Appeal: One of the charming attributes of many Australian Teal Sapphires is that they are often sold in their natural, untreated state, which is particularly appealing to purists and collectors.
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