Sapphire is a precious gemstone and well known as the variety of mineral corundum. It consists of aluminum oxide with small traces of iron, titanium, chromium, vanadium and magnesium. It is typically blue, but natural fancy sapphires are also found in other colours such as yellow, purple, orange and green colours.
Pink colored corundum may be either classified as ruby or sapphire depending on locale. Commonly, natural sapphires are cut and polished into gemstones and worn in jewelry. Sometimes it is also created synthetically in laboratories for industrial and decorative purposes. The hardness of the sapphire on the Mohs scale is 9, making it one of the hardest naturally occurring gemstones.
Sapphire is admired worldwide for its durability, attractive colors, brilliance, and long-standing historical significance. Blue Sapphire in particular has a strong place in traditional gemstone and astrological practices.
History and Significance of Sapphire
Sapphires are highly prized gemstones since 800 BC. It was also carved during the Persian age as rulers of this era believed that the sky was painted blue by the reflection of sapphire stones. Blue sapphires were a holy stone to the Catholic Church and to the Ancient Persians, as they believed that they made the sky blue by their reflections.
Sapphires are stones of the ancient lore also as they believed that the tablets upon which the Ten Commandments were written, were actually sapphire. This means that either the script was very tiny, or the sapphire was made by the hands of someone other than mother earth.
The Museum of Natural History situated in New York is a home to one of the most excellent sapphires in the world, the “Star of India,” a sapphire of 563 carats.
The sapphire has for a long time identified with chastity, piety, and repentance. It brings wisdom and truth and also increases the perception and the understanding of justice. It helps to find peace of mind and also develops serenity.
Sapphires are also associated with romantic love, understanding fidelity and romantic devotion. Because of these historical associations, sapphire continues to be one of the most recognized and valued precious gemstones.
Mystical Powers of Sapphire
The sapphire has for centuries been seen as a symbol of love, heavens, guardian of innocence and bestower of truth. It also helps to promote good health, and a preserver of chastity.
It is believed that it helps to bring gifts, joy, prosperity and beauty. Some wore it to ward off illness or as a protection while traveling.
During middle ages, people believed that wearing sapphire helps to remove negative thoughts and also helps to cure ailments. In ancient Persia, if ground up, it was used as all-purpose medicine.
Ivan the Terrible of Russia has said that sapphire strengthened the heart and muscles and helps to endow the person with courage. Others stated that it was an anecdote for poison as it killed snakes on site and if engraved with the figure of a man or a ram, helps to cure all illness and elevate the owner to a high position.
These historical beliefs form part of the traditional lore surrounding sapphire and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical treatment.
Sapphire Colors and Varieties
Although blue is the most widely recognized color of sapphire, natural sapphires can occur in several attractive shades. Depending on the trace elements present in the corundum, sapphires may appear in:
- Blue
- Yellow
- Pink
- Purple
- Orange
- Green
The color, clarity, cut, size, origin, and overall quality of a sapphire can significantly influence its appearance and market value.
Sapphire Hardness and Durability
Sapphire has a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, making it exceptionally durable for everyday jewelry. Its hardness is second only to diamond among commonly known natural gemstones.
Because of its excellent durability, sapphire is widely used in rings, pendants, earrings, bracelets, and other forms of jewelry. Natural sapphire is also valued by collectors for its beauty and rarity.
Buying Sapphire
If you wish to buy sapphire, before buying, make sure to get certificate of authentication from a reputed gem lab because there are many sellers who sells fake sapphire in the name of original one.
The prices of the sapphires vary for the quality of the same. The best quality sapphire may fetch price between INR 5000 to INR 10,000 per carat.
When purchasing a natural sapphire, buyers should consider factors such as color, clarity, carat weight, cut, origin, treatment, and laboratory certification. A reliable certificate can help verify the gemstone’s authenticity and provide important information about its characteristics.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sapphire gemstone?
Sapphire is a precious gemstone belonging to the corundum mineral family. It primarily consists of aluminum oxide with trace elements that can produce different colors. Blue is the most commonly recognized sapphire color.
What is the hardness of Sapphire?
Sapphire has a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, which makes it a highly durable gemstone suitable for different types of jewelry and regular wear.
What colors are available in natural Sapphire?
Natural sapphires can occur in several colors, including blue, yellow, pink, purple, orange, and green. Blue Sapphire is among the most popular varieties, while other colors are commonly known as fancy sapphires.
What are the traditional mystical powers of Sapphire?
Sapphire has traditionally been associated with wisdom, truth, peace of mind, serenity, prosperity, protection, love, fidelity, and spiritual understanding. Different cultures have attributed various symbolic and mystical qualities to the gemstone.
How can I buy an authentic Sapphire gemstone?
When buying Sapphire, it is important to check its authenticity and quality. A certificate from a reputed gem laboratory can help verify the gemstone and provide information about its characteristics, especially when purchasing a valuable natural sapphire.
