The only difference between a Ruby and a Sapphire is simply the colour. The colour of a Sapphire is created by various amounts of iron and titanium in the stone, the combination of which produce varying colours. Whilst the most desirable colour Sapphire is blue, ( specifically a“cornflower blue’) they also come in violet, dark gray, orange, yellow, pink, green and black. These different coloured Sapphires are referred to as “fancy Sapphires” and are often less expensive than the blue ones, yet equally as beautiful, and a fine alternative to blue.
A rare orange - pink coloured kind of Sapphire is called “Padparadscha,” which means “Lotus Flower” in Sinhalese, is very expensive and is the only colour Sapphire given its own name. Because Sapphires are available in so many colours, they are an incredibly versatile gemstone.
