Gold Sheen Sapphire

GOLD SHEEN SAPPHIRE FACT SHEET

also see: 5 Reasons to buy Gold Sheen Sapphire , Gold Sheen Sapphire Colour Samples , Gold Sheen Sapphire Grading

WHAT IS IT?

Gold Sheen Sapphire is a variety of corundum. It is sapphire with hematite, ilmenite and magnetite inclusions. An in-depth article was published in the Journal of Gemmology:

The Journal of Gemmology, 34(8), 2015The Journal of Gemmology, 34(8), 2015 — The Journal of Gemology, 34(8), 2015 Cover

“Sapphires displaying an attractive golden sheen reportedly were discovered in eastern Kenya in late 2009, and were recently brought to market in commercial quantities. The basic gemmological properties of the so-called Gold Sheen sapphires are consistent with typical corundum. Microscopic examination and Raman micro-spectroscopy showed that Fe-Ti oxides (hematite, ilmenite and magnetite) are the main solid inclusions, and they are oriented parallel to crystallographic directions in the basal pinacoid of corundum characterized by a six-fold rotational symmetry. Hematite and ilmenite are present in the form of exsolution intergrowths within platelets or needles. Magnetite typically appears as larger and thicker black platelets. The sheen effect in these sapphires originates from the simultaneous reflection of light from the oriented network of exsolved hematite-ilmenite inclusions.” – The Journal of Gemmology, 34(8), 2015

Gold Sheen Sapphire colours range from gold, brass and copper tones. The gem is excellent in low light, often displaying flashes of gold and copper. In strong white light or direct sunlight, fascinating geometric patterns become most apparent.

All cabochon cut Gold Sheen Sapphire displays asterism to some degree, most from weak to medium six arm star.

Gold Sheen Sapphire will often display an ‘aurora’ effect, so named because the light emitted from the gem emulates the Aurora Borealis. Some rare Gold Sheen Sapphire also display a vivid blue colour, while even rarer are pink-bronze, greens, and most rarely reds and purples.

A grading system for Gold Sheen Sapphire is published here.

View examples of Gold Sheen Sapphire colour here.

WHERE DOES IT COME FROM?

Gold Sheen Sapphire was discovered from a mine in Kenya in 2009. This is the single known source of Gold Sheen Sapphire in the world.

The total yield from the mine was 25 tonnes. The mine was depleted in 2012

It has taken several years to develop the cutting techniques to display the gemstone to the best effect. Cutting an polishing is done at the cutting factory in Bangkok, Thailand.

WHO DISCOVERED IT?

Gold Sheen Sapphire was discovered by Mr Tanzim Khan of Genuine Gems and Jewellery. Mr Khan has 25 years experience in the gem industry and is a respected gem cutter and trader of rough and cut stones in Bangkok.

Genuine Gems and Jewellery own the cutting factory and developed the cutting techniques for Gold Sheen Sapphire.

OTHER NAMES

Gold Sheen Sapphire and Golden Sheen Sapphire are interchangeable.

The name ‘Golden Sheen Sapphire™’ has been trademarked by Genuine Gems and Jewellery to trademark both the gemstone and cutting process of Gold Sheen Sapphire.

RECOGNISED BY GEMMOLOGY LABS

WHY BUY GOLD SHEEN SAPPHIRE?

For Gold Sheen Sapphire wholesale and retail: Here are 5 reasons to buy