| (c)Copyright 2009, Gemology and Color: Pink | | | | Lanka, Madagascar, Tanzania and Australia. The |
| sapphires deepen in color with when higher | | | | United States, Cambodia, Nigeria, Kenya and China |
| quantity of chromium is found in the stone. The | | | | also produce some sapphires in smaller quantities. |
| deeper the color pink, the higher their monetary | | | | Some of the most famous sources for sapphires |
| value. Long ago, it was decided that all gemstones | | | | are the Kashmir region of India, and Burma |
| of the mineral corundum should be referred to as | | | | however production of stones from these areas |
| sapphire, except the red colour, which was called | | | | is becoming more limited. |
| ruby. But pink is really just light red. The | | | | Treatments and Care: The most common |
| International Colored Gemstone Association has | | | | treatment for sapphire is heat treatment. Some |
| passed a resolution that the light shades of red | | | | blue sapphires may also be diffusion treated, |
| should be included in the category ruby, since it is | | | | though this treatment is more common for star |
| too difficult to legislate where red ends and pink | | | | sapphires. Beryllium treatment is now being used |
| begins. In practice, pink shades are now known | | | | to produce stunning orange and red colors which |
| either as pink ruby or pink sapphire. Either way, | | | | were once rarely seen. Clean with mild dish soap: |
| these gems are among the most beautiful of the | | | | use a toothbrush to scrub behind the stone |
| corundum family. | | | | where dust can collect. |
| Sources: Most sapphires come from Thailand, Sri | | | | |