Are you looking for something different, perhaps an alternative to a diamond ring? Do you want to make a statement that you love the colour orange, but you are wondering what gemstones are orange?
There are many orange gemstones on the market, and 4 of the most popular include Sapphire, Garnet, Zircon, and Fire Opal.
Orange Sapphire
Of all the orange gemstones the Sapphire is the most precious, durable and expensive. The gem is found mostly in Australia and Madagascar and is often heat-treated bringing out the vibrant orange hues. Orange sapphires should not be mistaken for padparadscha sapphires. Padparadscha sapphires are slightly different as they have a pinkish-orange tinge (and are very, very expensive!!!)
Orange sapphires exude very vibrant colours of fire and are considered quite rare. While orange sapphires are not considered as popular as blue sapphires, they provide a unique and alternative option for those who love to wear orange gemstones. Orange sapphires, given their rarity, can be quite expensive. They are durable and appropriate for everyday wear. Orange sapphires will generally fetch prices of $100 to $500 per carat.
Orange Garnet
There are a few types of orange Garnet ā these are spessartite and hessonite. Orange Garnet are visibly similar to orange sapphires. This is due to having very similar refractive indexes (the amount of sparkle produced when light enters the stone), and often being cut in similar sizes and shapes. Garnet is, however, less durable and has a softer rating on the Mohs scale (6.5 to 7.5). However, this comes with the benefit of orange garnet being considerably cheaper than sapphire. You are likely to find high-quality garnet for $20 to $50 per carat. Popular cuts and shapes for orange garnet are rectangular, oval or round, and it can be worn in all types of jewellery including rings, earrings and pendants.
Orange Zircon
Like many of the other orange gemstones, zircon is often heat-treated to gain its vibrancy. Zircon is softer (6 to 7 on Mohsā scale) than both sapphire and garnet however it makes up for this trait by having a high active index. In fact, zircon (1.98 RI) has a refractive index very similar to Diamond (2.4 RI), meaning it will show sparkle and fire when the light shines on the stone.
Orange zircon on is also quite cheap compared to more expensive gemstones like sapphire. You can often find orange zircon $20 to $50 per carat.
Fire Opal
Fire opal is a unique-looking gemstone that comes in the colour orange. They often appear cloudy but this is part of the brilliance of the fire opal. Fire opal is considered quite rare and in large carat sizes, it can be very expensive. Fire opal is a fantastic and stunning alternative to impress your friends. You will constantly be asked what the orange gemstone is in your ring, and you can be confident that your fire opal will attract lots of attention.
Fire Opal can be found in many places around the world, but most notably Mexico, (also Australia and Brazil), with prices for fire opal ranging anywhere from $10 to $10,000 per carat!
The best way to wear your orange gemstone
The answer is ā anyway you like. Rings are the most popular piece of jewelry to wear with orange gemstones, however, earrings (if the colour suits you) or a pendant are also fantastic ways to wear your gems.
Which metal is best to showcase your orange gemstone
Yellow gold is the best metal to wear with your gemstone as it allows for the beautiful orange colours to shine through. However orange gemstones will be just as beautiful if be worn with white gold silver or rose gold
Are orange gemstones expensive
The most expensive orange gemstone would be the sapphire ($100 to $500 per carat). Other orange gemstones are considered reasonably cheap in comparison (garnet and zircon $20 to $50 per carat). You can find most orange gemstones in jewelry at any local jeweller or online.
So there we have it ā what gemstones are orange? You now know four beautiful stones ā sapphire, garnet, zircon and fire opal.