What Are Peacock Sapphires and Mermaid Sapphires?

What do mermaids and peacocks have in common? For one, they share a vivid and oceanic color palette comprised of majestic shades of teal, blue, green, aqua and mint. From the sumptuous spectrum of peacock feathers to Ariel’s dreamy underwater colorscape in The Little Mermaid, there are few tones as ethereal and breathtaking as those emitted by these stunning sapphires.

Because they exist in an array of bedazzling colors, there is some confusion about what these sapphires are actually called. Allow us to clarify.

Departing from traditional royal blue sapphires are an enticing gemstone buzzing in popularity right now. You might hear them referred to as blue green sapphires or teal sapphires, but they actually have a few different names including mermaid sapphire, peacock sapphire and Montana sapphire.

What do each of these gemstones have in common? Undeniably tantalizing hues reminiscent of mermaids and peacock feathers.

*Spoiler*

After reading this article, you may fall madly and uncontrollably in love with peacock and mermaid sapphires. After all, not every gemstone gives you the chance to ignite your inner mermaid. Read on to learn why you should make mermaid sapphires “part of your world.”

But first, let’s dive into the colorful realm of peacock and mermaid sapphires.

What is a Peacock Sapphire?

Blue-green, teal and mint-colored sapphires go by many names. Perhaps it’s because this unique and dynamic shade embodies the mystical, imperial elements of fantasy creatures. However, a peacock sapphire is simply another name for what is officially known as a Montana Sapphire.  

Montana sapphires come from the only state in the United States that commercially mines and produces sapphires: Montana. What makes these gemstones so appealing is that they have a vibrant and distinguishable color very different from traditional navy blue sapphires.

Prospectors in Montana first discovered these ethereal stones while panning for gold in 1865. Unlike the value they hold today, miners originally tossed these aside as roadblocks getting in the way of their gold fortune.

Eventually, people realized that the novelty of these unique blue green sapphires had value, and Montana henceforth became known as “The Treasure State.”

Peacock Sapphire Meaning

The term “Peacock Sapphire,” simply refers to the glorious blue green hue of a Montana sapphire, which is similar to the colorful feathers of a peacock. And while these unique sapphires are a class all their own, their crystal structure composition is the same as a classic cobalt sapphire, made from corundum.

Sapphire meanings vary, and have a history embedded in religion and folklore reaching as far back as antiquity. Today, sapphires are the birthstone for September and beloved by many for their rich color and symbolism.

What is a Mermaid Sapphire?

A mermaid sapphire is another name for a Montana sapphire, sharing the same meanings, depictions and associations as the peacock sapphire. In 2019, the term “mermaid” is a buzzword, embodying the mystical and fantastical world beneath the ocean’s surface.

The ocean’s aquatic creatures and organisms make up an enticing and romanticized realm that is home to folklore’s most beloved creature: the mermaid.

It’s the blue-green, teal coloring of Montana sapphires that associate them with this majestic creature, and marketing a sapphire as a Mermaid sapphire is a smart way to distinguish a Montana sapphire from other gemstones.

It’s no secret why blue green sapphires make gorgeous engagement rings: who doesn’t want to feel like a mermaid every day?

Are Peacock, Mermaid and Montana Sapphires all the Same?

Yes. So what’s with the different names? Well, Montana sapphires have collected various nicknames to highlight the unique coloring of the gemstone. When browsing blue green sapphires on sites like Pinterest and Etsy, you’ll find a variety of different names associated with this one stone.

And while the spectrum of colors include blue, green, teal, aqua and gray; they are all considered Montana sapphires.

What Color Are Peacock and Montana Sapphires?

Peacock and mermaid sapphires are all distinguishable for their natural gray undertones. While the finished product of a Montana sapphire is most often remarkably bright and colorful, this is because of a heat treatment process that enhances the color to make it look like a mermaid or peacock.

When buying blue green sapphires, be sure to check to see what type of treatment the gemstone has undergone. Most often, Montana sapphires will be listed as either “untreated” or “heat treated,” to enrich the stone’s natural color.

These terms indicate that the stone has not been altered chemically, as heat treatment is the safest way to naturally enrich the gem’s color tone.

Untreated Montana sapphires will be more gray-blue, while heat treatment will produce the signature blue-green color of a peacock or mermaid.

Sapphire Engagement Rings

You might be wondering if Montana sapphires are good for engagement rings, and the answer is a resounding yes! Why? Functionally, sapphires make exceptional engagement rings for their durability. Sapphires rank 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, and are the second hardest natural gemstone next to diamonds.

Because of their hardness, sapphires are perfect for daily wear because they hold up long term and are more resistant to scratching and chipping than softer gemstones.

What’s more--sapphires are absolutely gorgeous, especially blue, green and mint sapphires. And while sapphires can be found in every color of the rainbow except red (that’s a ruby), mermaid sapphire engagement rings are one of the most unique options available.

After all, not every gemstone encapsulates the allure and mysticism of a peacock, Montana, and mermaid sapphire.

Perks of Buying Peacock Sapphires and Mermaid Sapphires

It’s easy to see what makes these beauties so appealing. However, if you’re on the fence about buying a blue green sapphire, here’s a recap to help you tip the scales:

Peacock sapphires are the same as mermaid and Montana sapphires, and have all the wonderful qualities of a traditional cornflower blue sapphire, except for one distinction: they are blue-green, teal, aqua and mint colored.

Peacock, mermaid and Montana sapphires make gorgeous engagement rings, and offer a queenly, ethereal aesthetic. Essentially, these beauties are sure to draw attention.

Ready to make a splash with your jewelry? Then it’s time to bring your inner mermaid to the surface with a dazzling blue green sapphire!

Browse loose peacock, mermaid and Montana sapphires.

SHOP FOR MONTANA SAPPHIRES

Montana Sapphire Gemstones