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Australian parti sapphires are a unique and fascinating variety of sapphire known for their multi-coloured appearance, typically displaying a mix of green, blue, and yellow hues. Unlike the uniform colouring of traditional blue sapphires, parti sapphires have distinct zones of colour within a single stone, making each gem uniquely beautiful.
The term "parti" is derived from the word "partition"
- due to the separation of colours within the stone. The formation of these sapphires is a story that stretches back hundreds of millions of years, involving the intricate ballet of geology, chemistry, and tectonics.
The formation of Australian parti sapphires is closely related to the ancient tectonic activities of the Earth's crust. Australia, with its old and stable continental crust, has been subjected to various geological processes . The distinctive parti coloring is a result of uneven distribution of trace elements, primarily iron and titanium. During the crystal growth, these elements are incorporated into the crystal lattice in different zones. In some areas, the concentration of iron and titanium may cause a blue coloration, while in others, a lack of these elements or the presence of other impurities might result in yellow or green hues.
The origin of a parti sapphire can often be traced by examining its unique colour characteristics. Being allochromatic gems, sapphires owe their hues to the impurities within their chemical structure.
Particular trace elements, including titanium, vanadium, iron, and chromium, are responsible for bestowing the distinctive shades seen in parti sapphires. Given that each geographical location possesses a distinct chemical signature, the specific color palette of a parti sapphire can provide clues to its geographical provenance.
The reputation of parti sapphires as predominantly Australian is not without reason, though it is not entirely accurate to claim them as exclusive to the region. Indeed, while these colourful gemstones can also be found beyond Australian borders, it's the Australian parti sapphires that have truly made a mark on the industry. This is a nod to Australia's historical status as one of the leading sapphire producers globally, a claim that dates back several decades when the country’s sapphire mining industry was at its zenith.
Ever increasing mining restrictions and increasing consumer demand
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