Jammu and Kashmir’s Lieutenant Governor announced plans to scientifically auction Sapphire mines within a year, aiming to stimulate the local economy. Derived from Latin and Greek words meaning “blue,” sapphire’s scientific name is corundum, composed of aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃). It comes in various colors, including red, pink, yellow, orange, and violet.
Top sources include Sri Lanka, while India’s reserves are found in association with kyanite and sillimanite in Assam, Meghalaya, Maharashtra, and Jammu & Kashmir. Sapphires serve diverse industries, especially in LED, optical, and RFICS applications. Kashmir sapphires are renowned for their superior cornflower blue hue.
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- Sapphire Mines Auction: Jammu and Kashmir’s strategic plan to auction Sapphire mines using scientific methods is poised to bolster the local economy. This initiative aims to efficiently manage the mining and extraction process for economic benefit.
- Corundum: The scientific name for sapphire, composed of aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃). Corundum is known for its various colors and is widely used in jewelry and industrial applications.
- Reserves and Distribution: While sapphire is found globally, Sri Lanka is a significant source. In India, sapphire reserves are associated with kyanite and sillimanite in states like Assam, Meghalaya, Maharashtra, and Jammu & Kashmir. The largest reserves (450 kg) are located in Jammu & Kashmir.
- Versatile Material: Sapphire’s properties make it valuable across industries, notably in LED production, optical applications, and Radio Frequency Integrated Circuits (RFICS). Its optical and physical characteristics make it ideal for various technological advancements.
- Kashmir Sapphire: Kashmir sapphires are particularly esteemed due to their exceptional quality, characterized by a distinct cornflower blue hue and a unique sleepy quality. Their rarity and remarkable coloration contribute to their high value.
- Color Variation: While sapphires are renowned for their blue variety, they can come in a wide range of colors, each with distinct properties and values. The color is influenced by the presence of trace elements and impurities during formation.
