Their beauty was often not acknowledged in older days, but this changed dramatically in recent decades. Mogok is one of the oldest sapphire sources, but its sapphires have always faced challenges in gemological circles.

Perhaps equally sought-after by connoisseurs but less known to the general public are its blue sapphires (figure 1). Mogok is the most legendary gemstone source in Myanmar its fabled rubies have been highly desired for centuries. Rare observations such as orange fluorescence and unusual FTIR spectra can be attributed to the chemical compositions of the sapphires. Trace element chemistry did not show any significant differences between various regions apart from a wider range of Fe concentrations in sapphires from north of Mogok. Our observations indicate that these sapphires show a wide range of blue color intensities but very consistent inclusion scenes. This information was collected from hundreds of blue sapphires that GIA’s field gemologists sampled while visiting different mining regions in Mogok over the past decade. This article summarizes the characteristics of Burmese sapphires, including standard gemological properties, inclusion observations, and spectroscopic and trace element analyses. Since Mogok is such a long-known source, there are many classic studies available, but modern analytical data are often missing or not up to current standards. The historical importance of this source and the fine quality of its high-grade material contribute to the legendary status of these gems.

ABSTRACTīurmese sapphires are among the most coveted colored gemstones in the world. Three rough samples and three faceted sapphires (from left: 7.63, 9.77, and 7.44 ct) from the Baw Mar mine at Kyatpyin in the Mogok region of Myanmar. Comprehensive CAD/CAM For Jewelry Certificateįigure 1.

Blue sapphire