How are sapphires mined?

Answer 1

The main ways are thru traditional digs, somtimes in natural caves and sometimes by blasting. Then you mine the old-fashioned way with a pick-axe and look for a vein of sapphire-bearing rock, and pick away as directed by your supervising geologist and engineer. The other way is alluvial mining. Looking for bits of sapphire washed out of pits and hillsides. This is slow ,tedious, backbreaking work for independent miners. Since sapphires come in almost all colors, it requires a keen eye for color. Most sapphires in natural alluvial states can look like very dull bits of stone with little color. It's only fun if it's hobby hunting. Many people in underdevoloped countries do this to eke out a living . When you spend all good daylight stooping over looking at rocks in a stream , the novelty wears off pretty quickly. Some digs allow villagers to pick over the scrap piles for overlooked bits. Most large gem-quality sapphires are mined and tons of rock are moved for sometimes low yield of good quality rough.All sapphires are second only to diamonds on the Mohs scale of hardness at 81/2 to 9. They are beautiful and durable and will usually last longer than you when properly cared for. If you are interested in Geology and have a passion for treasure hunting,this may lead you to an exciting career path.