gems, corundum, inclusions.5, Burma.12

This study characterizes blue sapphires from Myanmar’s Mogok Stone Tract using standard gemological observations together with spectroscopic and chemical analyses. The authors document the appearance, internal features, trace-element chemistry, and spectral characteristics of Mogok sapphires, emphasizing features useful for geographic origin determination. The material commonly shows blue color related to iron and titanium, with variations in zoning and inclusion assemblages reflecting the complex geological environment of the deposit. Microscopic features, absorption spectra, and trace-element patterns are compared with those of sapphires from other major sources to identify characteristics that may assist in separating Mogok material from stones of similar appearance. The study provides a detailed reference dataset for laboratory identification and contributes to a better understanding of the gemological characteristics and origin determination of blue sapphires from this historically important Burmese deposit.