The sapphire were discovered in the last months of 2016 in Tigray region. Rumors of the discovery reached the trade in early 2017, and the first stones were seen in the Asian markets of Chanthaburi (Thailand) and Beruwala (Sri Lanka) in April 2017. Since the initial discovery near Chila, sapphires have been found in many localities throughout Tigray Province.

Sapphire is a precious gemstone, a variety of the mineral corundum. The name sapphire is derived from the Latin “saphirus” and the Greek “sapheiros”, both of which mean blue. It is typically blue, but natural “fancy” sapphires also occur in yellow, purple, orange, and green colors; “parti sapphires” show two or more colors. Red corundum stones also occur, but are called rubies not sapphires. Pink-colored corundum may be classified either as ruby or sapphire depending on locale. Commonly, natural sapphires are cut and polished into gemstones and worn in jewelry.  Because of the remarkable hardness of sapphires – 9 on the Mohs scale (the third hardest mineral, after diamond at 10 and moissanite at 9.5)

The majority of Ethiopian sapphires are blue, with a few pure yellows. 

High-quality blue sapphires are discovered in northern Ethiopia. The color of these sapphires ranges from dark greenish blue to a pleasing light blue. A yellowish cast is often observed with a torch.