What Are Colour Change Sapphires?
Colour change sapphires are among the rarest members of the corundum family — the same family that gives us classic blue sapphires and rubies. What sets them apart is their magical ability to change colour depending on the light source.
In daylight or fluorescent light, they may appear blue, violet, or greenish. But under incandescent or yellow light, they shift to purplish, reddish, or brownish hues. This chameleon-like property makes them both a scientific marvel and a collector’s dream.
Why Do Colour Change Sapphires Shift Colour?
This phenomenon occurs due to the way trace elements like vanadium, chromium, or iron absorb and reflect light. The gem’s internal structure interacts differently with various light temperatures — producing a visible shift in tone.
• Daylight (Cool Light): Blue, grey-blue, greenish-blue
• Incandescent Light (Warm Light): Reddish-purple, violet, plum
The more dramatic the change, the rarer — and more valuable — the sapphire.
Are They Natural or Treated?
Most colour change sapphires in the market are natural but may be heat-treated to improve clarity. Untreated stones with strong colour change are extraordinarily rare and command premium prices.
Always look for certification from a reputed gemological lab stating:
– Colour Change Range
– Origin (if determinable)
– Treatment status
Famous Origins of Colour Change Sapphires
- Sri Lanka (Ceylon): Known for producing fine light-to-medium tone sapphires with gentle colour shifts — typically blue to violet.
• Madagascar: Often show stronger and more abrupt colour transitions — sometimes even greenish-blue to reddish-purple.
• Tanzania (Tunduru): Known for a wide colour palette and mixed hues.
• Thailand & Myanmar: Less common, but occasionally found in exotic parcels.
How Rare Are They?
Extremely rare. Less than 0.1% of all sapphires exhibit visible colour change. And among those, strong bi-colour shifts (e.g., blue to red) are even rarer.
Are Colour Change Sapphires Astrologically Powerful?
While they’re not traditionally used in Vedic astrology, some astrologers believe that colour change sapphires may have dual planetary influences, depending on the dominant colour.
– Blue to Violet shift: Might carry Saturn’s influence
– Green to Red shift: May have a blend of Mercury and Mars traits
Always consult a trusted jyotishi before wearing one for remedial purposes.
Buying Guide: What to Look For
Feature | What Matters
——–|————-
Colour Change | Strong, visible shift under different lights
Clarity | Fewer inclusions = more brilliance
Cut | Oval, cushion and mixed cuts are most common
Origin | Sri Lankan and Madagascan stones are preferred
Treatment | Untreated stones are more valuable
Certification | IGI, GRS, SSEF, or a trusted lab must verify change
Price Range of Colour Change Sapphires in India
Quality | Price Range (Per Carat)
——–|————————
Treated / Light Change | ₹8,000 – ₹25,000
Moderate Change | ₹25,000 – ₹60,000
Strong Change / Untreated | ₹70,000 – ₹2,00,000+
How to Check the Colour Change at Home
If you’re unsure about a gem’s colour change, try this:
1. View it under sunlight or white LED – note the colour.
2. Place it under a yellow bulb or candlelight – see if it shifts.
Gems with authentic change will surprise you every time.
Who Buys Colour Change Sapphires?
– Collectors of rare natural phenomena
– Gemstone lovers seeking uniqueness
– Luxury buyers wanting conversation-starting jewellery
– Investors in exotic gemstones
– Occasionally, astrology followers with special planetary needs
Care Tips for Colour Change Sapphires
– Avoid ultrasonic cleaners if the stone has fractures
– Use mild soap and soft cloth for cleaning
– Store separately to prevent scratches
Explore Our Certified Collection
Whether you’re looking for a gentle Ceylon shift or a deep Madagascan drama, discover our colour change sapphires — all certified, fully disclosed, and handpicked.
👉 Browse Colour Change Sapphires at PreciousCarats.com