When you hear “sapphire,” odds are you imagine a rich, royal blue. That’s fair—blue sapphires have had a publicist in the form of British royalty and Hollywood glamour for decades. But here's the twist most people don't know: sapphires are not just blue. In fact, sapphire colors span nearly the entire rainbow, and within that spectrum lie some of the rarest, most enchanting gemstones on Earth.
And if you really want to nerd out about color variation and rarity? Let us introduce you to Montana sapphires—our local, under-the-radar rockstars that break all the color rules in the most glorious way.
So, buckle up, jewelry hero. You’re about to find out why sapphire gemstone colors are the hidden multiverse of the gem world—and why knowing the types of sapphire might just make you fall in love all over again.
What Are the Colors of Sapphire?
Let’s start with the basics. Sapphires are a variety of the mineral corundum. Any color of corundum except red (which we call ruby) falls into the sapphire family.
Here’s the sapphire color palette you never knew you needed:
- Blue: The classic. Can range from pale sky to inky midnight.
- Pink: From soft blush to bold magenta.
- Yellow: Sun-kissed and bright—like bottled happiness.
- Green: Rare and often slightly teal-toned.
- Orange: Vivid and spicy; includes the ultra-rare padparadscha.
- Purple & Violet: Regal and mysterious.
- White (Colorless): Less known, but elegant and minimal.
- Black: Opaque, dramatic, and often used in edgy designs.
And then there are sapphires that can’t make up their minds—color-changers and bi-color beauties, especially found in Montana. Yep, our homegrown stunners love to shift shades depending on the light. Mood gems, if you will.
What Is the Rarest Color of Sapphire?
Cue the drumroll… The rarest sapphire color is padparadscha, an exotic pink-orange blend that evokes a Sri Lankan sunset. The name comes from the Sinhalese word for lotus blossom, and let us tell you—seeing one in person is a religious experience.
But here's the twist: while padparadscha is rare globally, bi-color Montana sapphires give it a run for its money in uniqueness. These often feature ethereal blends of green-blue, pink-lavender, or teal-grey, making each one as individual as a fingerprint.
The Many Types of Sapphire (and Why Montana's Are in a League of Their Own)
- Classic Blue Sapphires: Think Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Kashmir (if you’re lucky).
- Color-Change Sapphires: Shift from blue to violet or green to grey in different light.
- Star Sapphires: Display asterism—those magical, six-rayed stars under direct light.
- Parti or Bi-Color Sapphires: Exhibit two or more distinct colors in one gem.
And then there are Montana sapphires—a class unto themselves. Known for their:
- Subtle, earthy hues (think sage green, denim blue, smoky lavender)
- Rare color-shifting abilities
- Bi-color marvels
- Ethically-mined origins
Which Color of Sapphire Is Expensive?
Let’s talk dollars and dazzle.
- Kashmir blue sapphires (velvety cornflower blue) are considered the most valuable due to scarcity.
- Padparadscha sapphires also command premium prices because of their rarity.
- Untreated sapphires—in any color—are more valuable than heat-treated ones.
- Montana sapphires are gaining value for collectors due to their unique colors and origin story.
What Is the Best Sapphire Color?
This is like asking, “What’s the best wine?” The answer: it depends on your taste.
That said, here’s a quick cheat sheet:
- Blue: Timeless and formal.
- Teal: Artistic and unexpected.
- Peach/Padparadscha: Romantic and rare.
- Color-Changing: For the gem geek in all of us.
Beyond Blue: Why Montana Sapphires Are the Unsung Heroes
Montana sapphires are mined in Rock Creek, Yogo Gulch, and Dry Cottonwood Creek. Unlike mass-mined sapphires elsewhere, these gems are:
- Fair trade
- Environmentally conscious
- Rare in color
- Bi-color and color-shifting wonders
Shop our sapphire jewelry now!
What Causes the Different Colors of Sapphire?
Sapphire colors are more than just eye candy—they’re chemistry in action. These gorgeous hues arise from trace minerals trapped in the sapphire crystal as it forms. In its purest form, sapphire is colorless—but those tiny trace elements make all the magic.
- Blue: From iron and titanium. The classic combo that gives us denim-rich Montana hues and velvety blues from Kashmir.
- Orange: Created by iron and chromium. Padparadscha lives here.
- Yellow: A result of iron only. Sunshine in gem form.
- Pink: Comes from chromium. The more of it, the pinker it gets—eventually becoming ruby.
- Green: Thanks to a mix of iron and vanadium. Soft, mossy, and often found in Montana.
- Colorless: No trace elements. Just pure, clear corundum.
- Teal: That magic comes from a mix of iron, titanium, and sometimes vanadium. Montana is full of them—and yes, they often shift color in different lighting.
These elements may be microscopic, but their impact is massive. For even more science-backed sapphire insight, check out the AGTA's official sapphire guide.
What Color Is Sapphire in the Bible?
In the Bible, sapphires are described as deep blue, symbolizing heaven, wisdom, and purity. They’re found in Exodus and other verses, often associated with the divine and the eternal.
We like to think that if ancient scribes had stumbled across a Montana sapphire that changes from teal to violet in candlelight, a few psalms would’ve gotten a dazzling rewrite.
Why Sapphire Colors Matter in Design
Color isn’t just a visual choice—it’s a vibe. Here’s how sapphire colors speak style:
- Blue: Formal, grounded, emotionally rich
- Green: Earthy, calming, organic
- Pink: Feminine, joyful, youthful
- Teal: Trend-forward, artistic, Montana-fabulous
At Alara, we select every sapphire for its story, and design around the hue—not despite it. No McJewelry here, just one-of-a-kind works that feel personal.
Interested in creating something custom-made with one of our amazing Montana sapphires?
Final Thoughts: Why Sapphire Colors Should Make You Rethink Everything
Sapphire colors are a gateway. A rainbow. A rabbit hole. And Montana sapphires? They’re the key to unlocking a world of jewelry that feels as personal and rare as your own story.
Want to find your future heirloom?
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