Color-change sapphires typically shift from blue to violet and then to which color?

Study for the GIA Colored Stones Test. Enhance your knowledge with flashcards, multiple choice questions, and detailed explanations for every answer. Prepare to excel in your exam!

Color-change sapphires are known for their unique ability to exhibit different colors under varying lighting conditions. They typically shift from blue to violet when viewed in daylight or fluorescent light and then transition to reddish purple under incandescent light. This remarkable phenomenon is a result of the crystal structure and the specific elements present in the sapphire, which influence how light interacts with it.

When examining the progression of colors, the shift from blue to violet reflects the sapphire's base hues. The final change to reddish purple is significant, as it showcases the stone’s versatility and beauty under different lighting environments. Unlike red or yellow, which do not typically appear in the color-change spectrum for sapphires, the reddish purple is not only plausible but also widely recognized and discussed among gemologists. This color outcome is also directly linked to the stone's inherent chemistry and how it absorbs and reflects light, making it a defining characteristic of color-change sapphires.

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