Purple sapphires contain traces of hard, silver-grey malleable transitional metals that come in different shades. Rubies are crystal forms of aluminium oxide, containing traces of chromium and iron impurities that absorb yellow-green light, thus deeper ruby red colours appear with increased content. Also mentioned in the article on Madagascan Sapphires, red sapphires are characteristically known as rubies. Where in the world is Ceylon(Sri Lanka)? Colours of Sapphire and Why?Ĭontrary to popular belief Ceylon Sapphires occur in many different colours, ranging from colourless to black. Sapphires found in Ceylon were originally famous because of the vibrant medium blue hues, however, there is more to the opinion of the populace and the demand of the people. The British then re-colonised the land in 1798, transliterating Ceilão into English as Ceylon. A beautiful and unique 5 carat purple Ceylon sapphire, a collector’s stone for sure! The Name: CeylonĬeylon was initially known as Ceilão, a name given to Sri Lanka by Portuguese colonisers in 1505.

Ceylonese blue sapphire