Looking at the astonishing sapphire jewelry reveals a mesmerizing dance of light and color as if each gem holds within it the mysteries of nature’s hidden treasures. The journey of these gems from the earth’s crust to being staged on the jewelry, telling a story of geological wonder and human craftsmanship, is amazing. Mining these raw sapphires is no ordinary task. It takes a lot of hard work and expertise to uncover these hidden wonders from different locations, meticulously sorted, graded, and presented in the marketplace. This blog comprehensively explains how these stones have been mined decades ago.
What is Sapphire?
Before delving into the journey of this gemstone, let us know about its physical characteristics. Sapphire comes from the Latin word “sapphirus” which means “deep blue stone”. However, it is impressive to know that this gem doesn’t only come in blue; it exists in a rainbow of colors. So, you find them in almost all colors, from blue, black, white, pink, green, and orange, except red. These precious gemstones come from the corundum mineral family, like its close ally, the red rubies.
The chemical formula of natural sapphires is Al2O3. Besides the chemical arrangement of aluminum and oxygen, trace elements are responsible for the captivating hues of this corundum. The key elements are iron, titanium, magnesium, chromium, gallium, and vanadium, which give varying colors to these stones. As for other characteristics, sapphires have exceptional hardness, ranking nine on the Mohs scale. This makes them durable and suitable for all types of jewelry. They can be used as heirloom pieces and engagement rings, restoring their aesthetics for a long time.
History of Sapphires
Unlike other stones, these gems also have a profound historical relevance. The Greeks and Romans associated them with divine powers and protection. Ancient Persians believed the Earth rested on a giant sapphire, and the reflection made the sky look blue. In Hinduism, it is the stone of protection, power, and instant wealth. It was one of the precious stones that was offered to God by the kings to get power and wealth. Sapphires in the Bible are mentioned as being associated with purity and divinity. It signifies truth and honesty; according to the priest, the blue sapphire stone refers to the way to heaven. Today, sapphire jewelry is trending owing to its significance as love, beauty, and loyalty.
What is the Process of Mining Sapphires?
So, you see how these beautiful gems have been valued since history. Understanding sapphire mining thus adds more beauty to these gemstones, shedding light on the labor-intensive methods that were and are now used to bring them from the ground to the marketplace. Let’s know more about this process here:
Ancient Times
Sri Lanka (Ceylon) is one of the notable places known for sapphire mining. The traditional methods to mine these gems include digging pits and tunnels by hand. Another famous place for these gems is Kashmir, India. The beautiful Kashmir blue sapphire stone from the remote part of the Himalayan Mountains, the Zanskar range is again a challenging old mine to access. The mining journey begins by traveling over the Chenab and Wardwan Rivers to cross the bridge elevated high on the mountains. This is the most challenging mining site and an intensive human affair extracting these valuable treasures beneath the earth’s surface as it takes at least five days to reach the destination.
The Mining Process Today
Sapphire deposits are divided into two types: primary deposits are found in igneous and metamorphic rocks, whereas secondary deposits are found in riverbeds, terraces, and floodplains. New tools and techniques like drilling and blasting the rock are used today. The secondary deposits are then transported to the processing plant.
These are then sorted into different sizes by magnetic and density separation methods. Since secondary deposits are transferred to the riverbeds, sapphire mining is less complex. These gems are mined using simple hand tools such as sieves and shovels.
Shaft digging is another mining process that involves extracting the deeper ground gemstones. In this process, mine walls are loosened with a jackhammer, and then the material is transported to the drum with the help of a wheelbarrow. The drum is taken to the processing machinery. Rotating trommel separates the larger rocks.
Heavier sapphire stones remain at the place when washed with running water, while lighter ones are removed to waste piles. The best gems are sorted and moved towards the cutting process. The hexagonal shape of the sapphire allows it to be cut in the desired shape. So, whatever you choose with these durable stones, you can opt for various cuts, making your jewelry look as incredible as ever.
Major Sapphire Mining Locations
The well-known locations where these gems are mined include Myanmar (Burma), Kashmir, Sri Lanka, Montana, Madagascar, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Thailand, Vietnam, Colombia, Afghanistan, and Nigeria. The Ilakaka pink sapphires of Madagascar and Nigerian sapphires are recent mines that showcase high-quality gems with high clarity and good color.
Gem mining in the Ratnapura area of Sri Lanka is known for the fantastic padparadscha sapphires. Secondary deposits in flood plains and streams are extracted by mining process. With the help of human resources, mining pits are hand-dug. The conical-shaped baskets are used to extract the stones, with heavier ones settling at the bottom. Today, these gems are obtained with the help of mechanized small-scale mining operations.
Environment Impact: Lab Grown Sapphires vs Natural Sapphires
The mining and extraction process of gemstones is crucial as it negatively impacts our environment. Since these gems are formed within various geological settings that involve disrupting multiple rocks and other natural amenities, it is essential to look for other options. Lab-grown sapphires offer a sustainable alternative to natural ones. These gems are created in the lab under controlled environment conditions. Methods like the Verneuil or Czochralski process are excellent examples of technology and innovation that have made gemstone production environmentally friendly.
The Verneuil process involves various steps for adding a fine powder source to the furnace. This powdered form is melted by oxyhydrogen flame and then crystallized into a boule, which means a ball-like appearance in French. The production of synthetic sapphire stones reduces the extensive use of land disruption, carbon footprinting, soil erosion, water pollution, and habitat destruction.
Lab-grown sapphires possess physical and chemical similarities to their natural counterparts. They are also affordable and thus find a great deal in the jewelry marketplace.
To conclude, sapphire mining requires expertise and precision, from traditional methods to modern machinery. These gems are celebrated for their beauty and are used in jewelry like engagement rings and daily wear ornaments, owing to their significance. Due to their hardness and durability, they are also used in practical applications in technology, such as watch crystals, electronics, and scientific instruments.