Sapphire is considered precious not because the stone itself is incredibly rare, but primarily due to the extreme rarity of untreated, high-quality stones that are suitable for jewelry.
The True Value of Quality in Sapphires
While sapphires are relatively common minerals found across the globe, the vast majority are not of gem quality. This is a crucial distinction when understanding why certain sapphires command high value.
According to market information, stones known as sapphires are not incredibly rare. However, the key factor is the quality. The reference states that untreated sapphires of high quality are extremely hard to come by. This scarcity of high-quality material is the primary driver of their preciousness.
Why Quality Matters
Most sapphires that are mined are of such poor quality that they never enter the gem trade to begin with. This means:
- Abundance of Low-Grade Material: Large quantities of sapphire crystal are extracted from the earth, but they might be heavily included, fractured, dull, or possess undesirable colors.
- Scarcity of Gem-Quality Material: Only a tiny fraction of mined sapphires possess the desirable characteristics needed for fine jewelry – vibrant color, good clarity, excellent cut, and significant size.
The Impact of Treatment
Furthermore, the preciousness is significantly influenced by whether a sapphire is untreated. Many sapphires are heated or otherwise treated to improve their color and clarity. While this is a common and accepted practice in the gem industry, untreated sapphires of high quality are considerably rarer and often fetch higher prices because they are naturally perfect (or near-perfect) creations.
In essence, the preciousness of sapphire stems from the pyramid of availability:
- Large base: All mined corundum (the mineral family sapphire belongs to).
- Smaller layer: Corundum suitable for industrial use or very low-grade gem material.
- Much smaller layer: Gem-quality sapphire (often treated).
- Tiny pinnacle: High-quality, untreated sapphire.
It is this tiny pinnacle that represents the truly precious and valuable sapphires.
Factors Contributing to Sapphire's Preciousness
Several factors combine to make high-quality sapphires precious:
- Extreme Rarity of High Quality: As highlighted by the reference, the sheer lack of gem-quality rough material suitable for the trade is the foundational reason.
- Desirable Physical Properties: Sapphires (a form of the mineral corundum) are second only to diamonds in hardness, making them incredibly durable for jewelry.
- Vibrant and Varied Colors: While often associated with blue, sapphires come in almost every color of the rainbow (except red, which is called ruby). Intense, saturated colors are highly prized.
- Historical Significance and Symbolism: Sapphires have been valued for centuries and are associated with royalty, wisdom, and good fortune.
In conclusion, while the term "sapphire" applies to many stones, the truly precious ones are those that meet exceptional standards of natural quality and often remain untreated, making them genuinely rare and desirable.
