Sapphire is a town in Queensland, Australia. Gemfields is a region where sapphires are mined extensively. In 2006, The population of Sapphire was 550. The mining of sapphires was started since the late 19th century. Gem quality sapphires are mostly produced by the Australia and are supplied to the world markets.
The anakie field in Queensland and The New England field in New South Wales are the two fields That deals in commercial mining of sapphires. The sapphires that are formed have the similar germological properties some other deposits in Thailand and Cambodia and are found iron rich alkali Basalt terrains. Sapphires that exist both in present day streams and fossil drainage systems mailnly occur in alluvial gravels. Sapphires have been mined in huge numbers since 19th century in Australia, and are a major producer of gem quality sapphires. A huge range of sapphires in various sizes and shapes are available.The largest sapphire mine in the world is the Subera, located to the east of the township of sapphire. In 1999/2000 about 2,000 kg of corundum was produced. Sapphires are derived from weathering and erosion of alkali volcanic rocks, Basaltic lavas, in Anakie fields. Both hand mining methods and large scale open cut operations are a part of sapphire mining. Hand sieving and washing or processing in mechanised treatment plants are some methods to separate sapphires from the gravels. Blue sone is exported to Thailand where processing involves heat treatment and cutting. A smaller size stone can be further cut into more smaller size for use in Jewellery market. Europe and United states are provided with the best quality sapphires and fancy stones. Ankie fields in Central Queensland nd Lava plains field in north of state are mainly the significant deposit stores. Ankie field extends 43 km west of Emerald and includes Townships of Sapphire, Rubyvale and Willows. Ankie field is the major producer of sapphires in Australia and the world. Lava plains field extends 100 km south of Mount Garnet and Wyandotte Creek area mainly involves mining. Before the mining was started, the information about the occurrence of sapphires in lava plains was already there with prospectors and fossickers. Large scale mining came into affect in late 1980s and small scale mining was preceded in 1970s. Mines Hill-Wyandotte Creekarea involves three mechanised operations.
Sapphires have been mined in huge numbers since 19th century in Australia, and are a major producer of gem quality sapphires. A huge range of sapphires in various sizes and shapes are available.
The largest sapphire mine in the world is the Subera, located to the east of the township of sapphire. In 1999/2000 about 2,000 kg of corundum was produced. Sapphires are derived from weathering and erosion of alkali volcanic rocks, Basaltic lavas, in Anakie fields.