Interesting Facts About Kashmir Sapphire
Did you know that Kashmir Sapphires are known to be the most legendary gems in history? These gemstones were discovered after a landslide in the Himalaya in 1881. By 1887, the “Old Mine” with Kashmir Sapphires was exhausted01. This sapphire variant are known for its velvety luster whilst exuding a vibrant cornflower blue color. There are microscopic silk inclusions that scatter light in composition02. With this, it creates a soft, ethereal glow that no other gemstone can match.
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Where Kashmir Sapphire Comes From
Kashmir sapphire originated in the Zanskar range of the Himalayas. The gemstone was discovered in 188103. The revelation of a deposit of the Kashmir sapphires was caused by a massive landslide in a remote region of Padar, Kashmir, India. After its discovery, the Maharaja of Kashmir took control of the site in 188204. This established the “Old Mine”. Through the operations of this mine, workers are working in extreme conditions at high altitudes of 14,500 feet. After the operation of the mine site, the primary deposit of Kashmir sapphire was exhausted for only five to seven years05.
These gemstones exude a “cornblue blue” hue and a unique “velvety” luster. This appearance is caused by microscopic silk inclusions that appear needle-like06. In effect, the stone has a soft, velvety appearance whilst exuding a vivid saturated color. The intense blue is still evident even under artificial light compared to other sapphires07.
As of 2026, Kashmir sapphires are difficult to locate in the ground. The original “Old Mine” is still inactive due to its exhaustion years ago. Modern attempts to find other sources of Kashmir sapphire have been challenging08. Most Kashmir sapphires on the market today are recycled and resold through high-end auctions or found in private royal collections.
How Kashmir Sapphires are Processed
Kashmir sapphires are natural stones formed millions of years ago. These gemstones were formed due to intense heat and pressure in the Himalayas. These undergo multiple processes before the gemstone becomes its final structure. The first step is extraction. The stones were hand-mined from high-altitude locations09. Currently, there are no new material for Kashmir sapphires available. This process undergoes recutting from antique stones for its improvement and removing chips10. For cutting, lapidaries ensure that minimal weight loss is achieved since even a fraction of a carat can be costly.
Unlike other types of sapphires, Kashmir sapphires do not undergo heat-treatment. Their velvety blue appearance occurs naturally. Heating would result to the melting of microscopic silk inclusions that give their unique glow11.
How Expensive and Rare Kashmir Sapphires Are
Kashmir sapphires are considered expensive since it is one of the rarest blue gems in the world12. Their value is also high as it is driven by a lack of new supply. Its primary source, the Himalayan mines, were exhausted by 188713. This purports that almost all genuine stones are antiques or heirlooms. Furthermore, their velvety cornflower blue hue is one of its defining characteristic, which is a geological anomaly brought about by microscopic silk inclusions14.
Famous Jewelry Made from Kashmir Sapphire Gemstones
Kashmir sapphires are highly rare due to the lack of newly extracted material. Genuine gemstones are exclusively found in museum-grade estate jewelry and auction lots. Notable examples of Kashmir sapphire jewelry pieces include:
- The Peacock Necklace – It is a 109-carat jewelry piece that contains Kashmir sapphire. It was sold for $14.9 million15
- The Rockefeller Sapphire – It is a 62-carat rectangular-cut ring. It was previously owned by an Indian Maharaja before it came into John D. Rockefeller’s possession. It was sold at $2.85 million16
Kashmir Sapphire’s Market Value (Price per Carat)
As of 2026, Kashmir sapphires are still the world’s most expensive blue gemstones.For smaller or lower-saturation stones, the price starts at around $5,00017. As for high-quality, unheated specimens, their prices range from $40,000 to $20,000 per carat18. World-record “regent” quality gems have significantly increased its price as it shattered benchmarks. The price ranges around $271,000 per carat at elite international auctions17.
