Kashmir Blue Sapphires
BLUE SAPPHIRE
The Kashmir Valley (Northern India)
Gemstone Marketing Trade Term: "Kashmir"
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Geography: Metamorphic (Low-Iron)
Crystal Structure: Trigonal
Composition: Corundum (AI₂O₃ (crystallized aluminum oxide)) + Titanium, Iron trace elements
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Corundum is typically colorless. The trace elements, as with other stones, create color in the mineral. Iron is practically everywhere, but when it mixes with Titanium it causes beautiful Blue Sapphire.
Durung Drung Glacier, Pensi La pass on Zanskar; north of Umasi La Pass (miner's route)
Around 1881, a landslide occurred on the Zanskar Mountain Range of the Himalayas. It unveiled the finest Blue Sapphire to date. Unfortunately, the mines were abandoned in 1887 due to lack of production.
However, ramp mining still occurs around 15,000ft above sea level. Some glaciers, like the one above, need to be crossed in order to reach the mines. The area is full of Buddhist monks that are familiar with the routes.
Abandoned mine entrance in the Himalayas along the Zanskar Mountain Range
The journey back and forth to the mines is very difficult and dangerous due to rapid weather change and slippery slopes. The mountains above Sumcham Village contain Sapphire mines. Police and posts are stationed around the mines (in the valley; as well as high in the clouds.) Entrances to the tunnels are primitive; some even without frames. Crystal deposits of Sapphire can be found in pegmatite veins within the tunnels.
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Wholesale prices are set on Kashmir Blue Sapphires, but ultimately their pricing can be subjective due to their scarcity in the market; meaning, you will likely pay a much higher price for a Blue Sapphire from here.
Inclusions & Clarity Characteristics​
Kashmir Blue Sapphires are regarded as having a fine, velvety appearance. The dense milky clouds are responsible for the soft, velvety, somewhat sleepy appearance of a fine Kashmir Sapphire.
Fine, dark blue color zoning can be seen, especially in any of the newer material from Kashmir (should any be found.) It is a distinct appearance one should look for.
Silk, velvety cloud of dissolved rutile fragments
Strong (blue) High Relief Color Zoning
If the Blue Sapphire is free of inclusions, the gemstone should be submitted to GIA for a chemical analysis with further instruments for testing origin. However, because the chemical composition for Blue Sapphire is generally the same, this process is not as accurate as identifying clarity characteristics.
