Australia Sapphire · An educational film

How sapphires are formed

From deep within the Earth to ancient riverbeds, discover the geological journey behind natural Australian sapphires.

From volcanic landscapes to river gravels. 4 min 32 sec · Educational visualisation

A journey shaped by the Earth

Formation below the surface

Sapphires are crystals of corundum, a mineral that forms under particular geological conditions. Trace elements help give them their remarkable range of colours.
The volcanic journey

In many Australian deposits, volcanic activity carried sapphire crystals towards the surface. The volcanic rock was their transport, rather than the place where they first formed.
From rock to riverbed

As surrounding rock breaks down, durable sapphires are released. Rivers and streams can carry and concentrate them in gravels, including ancient riverbeds.