Australian sapphires
Everything You Need To Know
Table of Contents
- The History of Australia Sapphire Mining
- What Colours Do Australian Sapphires Come In?
- Why Do Australian Sapphires Look Different From Other Sapphires?
- Are Australian Sapphires Heated Or Treated?
- Are Australian Sapphires Ethical?
- Why Choose An Australian Sapphire For An Engagement Ring?
- Buying An Australian Sapphire
An Introduction to Australian Sapphires
There's something unmistakably magnetic about Australian sapphires, they are one of the most sought-after precious gemstones worldwide, revered for their vibrant, saturated colour, renowned durability, and natural, distinctive characteristics, drawing the eye to their rich hues and undeniable beauty. Their colours are not perfect in a polished, predictable way. They are moody, elemental, and alive. Teals that shift like deep water. Inky blues with green undertones. Sunlit yellow. And the famous parti sapphire, where multiple colours blend in a single stone.
Here at The Sapphire Merchant, we have an extraordinary collection of natural Australian sapphires, curated for those who want a gemstone that feels personal and distinctive. Australians and New Zealanders love Australian sapphires for their close-to-home origin! In this collection, each rough sapphire was hand-selected from local artisanal miners from a town called 'Emerald' in the The Gem Fields of Australia (an ironic name for a town that produces sapphires). Each sapphire has been lovingly hand faceted, uncovering the clarity and brilliance that rough sapphires hide. We proudly present to you this collection of Australian sapphires.
1. The History of Australian Sapphire Mining
Australian sapphires are primarily sourced from Queensland and New South Wales. Sapphires from these regions harness an intriguing history that incorporates geology, migration, and trade.
Australia’s sapphire deposits were discovered in the mid-19th century. Early miners searching for gold during the gold rush in Queensland and New South Wales began uncovering sapphires in alluvial deposits instead. Sapphire mining soon became an industry as these stones were introduced to the public, who quickly fell in love with their incredible colors.
A birdseye view of The Gemfields of Queensland, Australia
Sapphire's From The Town of Emerald
Our collection of Australian Sapphires comes specifically from Emerald, the gateway of the Gemfields in Queensland.
Emerald wears a name that belongs to the land, not the gemstone. It was christened for the region's green pastures and established in 1879 as a railway town, a practical outpost of Central Queensland. Today, Emerald carries a different kind of meaning for gem lovers: it's the doorway to the Sapphire Gemfields, a sweep of corundum country stretching west through Sapphire, Rubyvale, Anakie, and The Willows.
The earliest records of precious gemstones in the wider Emerald district date back to Retreat Creek, between Emerald and Sapphire, where sapphires were noted as early as the 1870s, long before the Gemfields were named and towns were established as we recognise them now. In 1875, railway surveyor Archibald John Richardson collected vivid red zircons from the same creek gravels, stones initially mistaken for rubies, and those gravels also carried sapphire. Once the presence of sapphires was properly recognised, Richardson and his partners formed a mining venture, and by 1891, the area had entered its first phase of commercial production.
By the early 1900s, sapphire was no longer a local curiosity. The Anakie district was formally declared a mining field in 1902, bringing structure and legal recognition to ground that had proven itself rich in corundum-bearing basalt. Around the same period, Queensland sapphires began to move further afield; stones from the Anakie fields found their way into overseas markets via European trade networks, and the deeper, moodier blues gained particular admiration.
Then the world shifted. With World War I and the collapse of the Russian Empire, demand faltered and production slowed. But gemstones have a way of returning when the market is ready: in the early 1960s, renewed appetite from the Thai gem trade helped spark a revival. Thai gem dealers travelled to Australia, purchased large quantities and transported the rough back to Chanthaburi, where it was heat-treated, cut and made ready for the gem markets.
Today, a blend of artisanal miners, gem cutters and dealers, and a fossicking culture still draws treasure-seekers to this sapphire-rich corner of Queensland.
2. What Colours Do Australian Sapphires Come In? (blue, teal, parti)
Unlike rubies, which can only be red to qualify as a ruby, sapphires come in a wide range of colours and shades, making them a stunning choice for those who love every hue of the rainbow. Australian sapphires are available in beautiful blues, teals, and yellow, or Parti-colored sapphires that show a combination of colours. Some sapphires may exhibit colour change (just like an alexandrite!), displaying a blue in daylight to a purplish-blue under incandescent light. Australian sapphires often display distinct colour zoning, like straight brushstrokes, inside the gemstone. Colour zoning is bands of colour within the gemstone, and these will be in straight lines. If colour banding is curved, this is a major indicator that a sapphire is lab-grown.
Blue Australian Sapphires
Australian blue sapphires exhibit a darker and inky hue, frequently with green undertones. Deep indigo blues and rich purplish blues are some of our most popular sapphire colours. Our collection of Blue Sapphires features stunning royal blue, greenish blue, and midnight blue, along with other distinctive shades.
Teal Australian Sapphires
Teal is defined as dark green-blue or blue-green. Our collection of Teal Sapphires showcases an incredible range of saturated colors to choose from with a variety of shapes and carat weights.
Parti Australian Sapphires
Australian parti sapphires offer a one-of-a-kind appearance, exhibiting two to three colours under different lighting and angles. Vibrant green-yellow parti stones, teal and blue, and other combinations unlock a breathtaking world of incredible colour that only Australian sapphires can provide. Our Parti sapphires have a deep, saturated yellowish green and blues, making them one of a kind.
3. Why Do Australian Sapphires Look Different From Other Sapphires?
Australian sapphire is distinctly different from Burmese, Ceylon, Thai and African mined sapphires. When grading blue sapphires, there are 5 types: Violet-Blue, Milky-Blue, Blue, Inky-Blue and Greenish-Blue. Australian sapphires predominantly fall into the Inky-Blue type, followed by Greenish-Blue.
The basaltic environments of Australian sapphires are linked to their geological origin. This environment influences the sapphire's chemical composition with higher iron deposits in corundum. Higher iron deepens the color, resulting in darker blues and greenish tones, making the Australian sapphire really stand out amongst other sapphires with a richness unmatched.
Sapphires from other regions, such as Sri Lanka or Madagascar, form in different geological conditions. These sapphires frequently exhibit a cornflower blue, which is more common on the market. Australian sapphire, due to its origin, offers rich colors with an earthy quality, making it less traditional and more unique.
Are Australian Sapphires Valuable?
Australian sapphires are considered high-quality and valuable, in-demand, precious stones for consumers, just like Montana sapphires. However, Australian sapphires may frequently differ in price in comparison to other sapphires from different origins, such as fine quality Kashmir or Burmese sapphires, because these types of sapphires are so rare. Padparadscha sapphire is one of the rarest of sapphires, displaying a pinkish orange found in Sri Lanka, Madagascar, and Tanzania. This doesn’t decrease the value of Australian sapphires; they are valuable in their own right and command various prices based on carat and quality, just like all other sapphires.
4. Are Australian Sapphires Heated or Treated?
Throughout history, Thai dealers have been an important part in making Australian sapphires what they are today. Australian sapphires are frequently brought to Thailand for treatment, enhancing their appearance and making them suitable for sale in international markets. According to GIA (the Gemological Institute of America), the trade between the Aussies and the Thais led to the global sapphire industry’s current dynamics.
95% Of Sapphires Have Undergone Heat Treatment
Sapphire treatments are widespread, with some statistics stating that 95% of sapphires have undergone some type of treatment. Sapphire treatments enhance colour and clarity, bringing out the inherent beauty of the stone. Heat treatment is one of the most common treatments for sapphires (and other stones) and is a permanent, acceptable way to enhance the stone. Other treatments, such as fracture-filling and diffusion techniques, must be disclosed between the buyer and seller. These treatments affect the sapphire's value because the stone has been permanently altered to a more desirable appearance using modern technological advances.
It is important to note that not all Australian sapphires are treated. The Sapphire Merchant has seen an uptick in demand for natural stones with no treatment. Natural, untreated sapphires are authentic and genuine, showcasing their innate natural beauty with no interruption from modern technology.
Are Unheated Australian Sapphires Rare?
Yes, unheated Australian sapphires are rare because the majority of coloured stones (not just sapphires) have undergone heat treatment, which, according to GIA, is an acceptable treatment that doesn't alter the value of the gemstone. These untreated stones may be more valuable, depending on the quality of the stone.
Unheated/untreated sapphires exhibiting vibrant colour saturation and few growth characteristics (natural inclusions) are considered extremely rare, thus commanding a higher price. Collectors and buyers who prize natural gemstones seek out unheated sapphires for their authenticity because they are in their natural state (after being cut and polished).
5. Are Australian Sapphires Ethical?
Australian sapphires are one of the most ethical gemstones on the market because Australia has implemented strict environmental and labour regulations, ensuring mining practices and labour laws are followed, making it safe for both workers and the earth.
Using Gemfields contributes to local economies on a worldwide scale because of the transparency of the source, making it a compelling selection for those who prioritize ethics. Gemfields is an eco-friendly alternative compared to those that are sourced with a mass supply chain that may be unregulated.
Canopy above underground digging for sapphires on a mining lease at Reward fossicking area, Rubyvale, Queensland, Australia
6. Why Choose an Australian Sapphire for an Engagement Ring?
Australian sapphires have seen an increase in popularity for an engagement ring and other bridal jewellery, such as wedding bands and anniversary rings, because of their many positive attributes. Sapphires are durable and rate 9 out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale (diamonds are a 10/10), making them a realistic choice for frequent, everyday wear for an engagement ring.
Blue sapphires are the most popular of colours, effortlessly complementing diamonds and different fine metal colors (white, rose, yellow, two-tone, etc.).
Are you searching for something modern? Teal sapphires offer a contemporary selection for those who want something luxurious yet distinctive, moving away from tradional blue.
Parti sapphires are popular due to their remarkably striking multicoloured appearance. Parti sapphires feature a combination of blue, green, and yellow within one stone (similar to parti-colored tourmaline). This natural colour zoning makes these sapphires appealing to those seeking a truly one-of-a-kind piece. Their uniqueness aligns well with modern trends that favour individuality and non-traditional designs. Do you like more than one colour? A parti-colored sapphire is the best choice.
How Do You Choose a Good Australian Sapphire?
When selecting an Australian sapphire, several factors should be considered before you make your purchase. You want to fall in love over and over again with your Australian sapphire, and make a statement in style and luxury, so here's what you should consider:
Colour: Look for a balanced and appealing hue you love. Personal preference plays a significant role. Are you seeking a rich, classic blue? Or, a parti or bi-coloured stone? The sapphire will always be the main focal point of the jewellery.
Clarity: While inclusions are natural, fewer visible inclusions generally increase value. Highly included stones may detract from the overall beauty, in addition to making them weaker and more brittle if the stone is scratched or dropped.
Cut: A well-cut stone will enhance brilliance and showcase the sapphire’s colour zoning. Well-cut stone will not have uneven sides, heavy girdles, large culets, and tables. They should be symmetrical.
Shape: Shape should not be mistaken for cut. Heart, marquise, princess, emerald, and square and round are all popular shapes.
Origin and Treatment: Is the stone heated or unheated, or treated using another method? A lab report is the ultimate solution for those who want a guarantee on the sapphire they purchase.
7. Buying An Australian Sapphire
The unique appearance of Australian sapphires is largely due to their geological origin. The basaltic environments in which they form influence their chemical composition, particularly the presence of iron. Higher iron content can deepen the colour, often resulting in darker blues or greenish tones.
Australian sapphires are valued for their unique colours and ethical sourcing. Australian sapphires are special because they often display deeper tones and natural colour variations that make each stone one of a kind, not just the blue variation. Mines such as Queensland have strict environmental regulations and transparent mining practices, making them a sustainable, eco-friendly choice for those who love earth-mined stones. Australian sapphires offer the ultimate balance of beauty, rarity, and responsible sourcing; be confident knowing you are getting something sourced from the earth that is genuine.
At The Sapphire Merchant, we specialise in sourcing exceptional Australian sapphires for those who value the rarity and individuality of Australia's most captivating natural treasures. Allow us the privilege of guiding you through the process of selecting the perfect Australian sapphire for your custom jewellery piece, and discover the beauty of owning a gemstone shaped by the wild landscapes and ancient geology of Australia.
If you cannot find the perfect Australian sapphire in our online collection, contact us and we will guide you through the sourcing process.