From International Gem Society
For millennia, people have treasured sapphires. They’re one of the most well-known types of colored gemstones. Classic blue, as well as pink and padparadscha sapphires, have all become popular jewelry stones. So, what’s new in the world of sapphires? We’ve discussed the relatively recent arrival of teal sapphires on the market. Now, let’s take a look at the rarest teal variety — the beautiful mermaid sapphires.
What are Mermaid Sapphires?
Teal sapphires combine different degrees of blue, green, yellow, and gray. There are at least six different varieties of teal sapphires, each showing a different combination/percentage of these colors.
The dominant colors are usually a deep aquatic blue and a vivacious forest green. Mermaid sapphires show a rare, precise 50-50 ratio of blue and green color.
Why are They Called “Mermaids?”
When we first came across one of these sapphires, it looked like it could never have come from deep within the Earth. Instead, the gem took us on a deep dive into our imagination, into a velvety blue sea. There, we found a mermaid. She uncovered a stunning gemstone within the folds of an oyster. The gem was as beautiful as she was, and it looked like it had fallen from her shimmering, blueish green scales.
The mythical mermaid seemed the perfect namesake for these gems, which harmoniously combine the beauty of the land and sea in their blue and green colors. Imagine holding the best of both worlds in the palm of your hand!
The Perfect Engagement Ring Gemstone
Today, many young people are looking for alternatives to classic diamonds when it comes to engagement rings. In general, sapphires make an excellent choice for engagement ring stones. They combine beauty with durability, show many different colors, and come in a wide range of prices.
Sapphires also have many romantic associations, perfect for engagement ring stones. Blue sapphires symbolize loyalty, power, and wisdom and are said to bring their wearer good fortune. Green sapphires symbolize tranquility and peace. Since mermaid sapphires combine both these colors, they make wonderful messages of hope for a blissful marriage.
We believe that every unique love story deserves a unique expression. Teal sapphires in general and mermaid sapphires in particular are great options for those looking for something different and unforgettable for an engagement ring. Plus, their durability, ethical sourcing, and affordable prices make them an excellent buy.
What is the Color of a Mermaid Sapphire?
Mermaids fall under the “teal” color category, which has become a very popular color choice in the Western world, particularly the United States, since the 1990s. However, customers often ask us how the color a mermaid sapphire differs from that of another teal sapphire.
As we said earlier, in terms of color composition, mermaids are 50% blue and 50% green. While other teals may show a third or fourth color in the mix, like yellow or gray, mermaids definitely don’t have these additional colors.
Like other teal sapphires, mermaids don’t show true color change when viewed under different sources of light. They don’t completely change from one hue to another. However, their reflection patterns in natural and artificial lights produce a partial, subtle change. With mermaids, the change is limited to a mossy green or a sea blue, without any hint of yellow or gray.
How Rare are Mermaid Sapphires?
Although sapphires are found all over the world, teal sapphires occur only in a few regions. Australia is the principal source of these gems. Montana, in the United States, was where these sapphires were first discovered and recognized as a distinct variety. It remains an important source of teal sapphires. Madagascar and Nigeria also have significant deposits.
Mermaids are the rarest type of teal sapphire. Less than 5% of teal sapphires have the 50-50 blue-green color ratio to qualify as mermaid sapphires.
Are Mermaid Sapphires Ethically Sourced?
Almost all teal sapphires are completely ethically sourced. Australia primarily uses mechanical mining for these gems. Montana has stringent mining regulations. Every mining operation is closely scrutinized, ensuring ethical and legal practices are maintained throughout the production chain.
In Africa, teal sapphires provide an opportunity for family owned, artisanal mines to earn their due. IIkaka, Madagascar and Gombe, Nigeria are the primary African sources of teal sapphires, including the occasional mermaid sapphire. Since these gemstones are just emerging onto global markets, local communities have a chance to protect their interests in a way that benefits them economically, socially, and culturally in the long term.
What are the Physical Properties of Mermaid Sapphires?
The lovely mermaid sapphire mixes beauty with brawn. As a sapphire, it belongs to the mineral species known as corundum, which includes both sapphires and rubies. Only diamonds, with a Mohs hardness of 10, are harder natural materials than sapphires and rubies, which have a hardness of 9. Scientifically speaking, hardness measures a material’s resistance to scratching. This makes all types of sapphires excellent choices for daily-wear jewelry, like engagement rings. This even makes them harder than household dust, which has a hardness of 7. Dust will scratch and dull any material with a hardness lower than 7, but not those with a higher hardness.
Conclusion
These beautiful blue-green sapphires have arrived at the perfect time to make a splash in the gem and jewelry market. Many consumers are looking beyond traditional gem choices to find something special for their engagement rings. Mermaid sapphires have the potential to become very popular, so now is a good time to buy.
Although stories of mermaids have enthralled us for millennia, we have to accept that these beings don’t exist. The good news is that mermaid sapphires do!