Sapphire is one of the four most respected gemstones and is the second hardest mineral on Earth after diamond.
Sapphire is corundum, which we most often know by its blue color, which can be from pale to deep blue. It often contains inclusions. Completely pure sapphires are rare and their prices climb high. The most beautiful sapphire color is the royal blue of sapphires originating in Kashmir. In addition to the blue color, the greenish ones are also known – blue-green to yellow-green. A mixture of pink, orange and yellow are characterized by the so-called peach sapphires. The color resembles the rare so-called paparaja sapphires, but they are paler and tend to cloud. There are pink sapphires in the light pink color, which turns dark purple. White sapphires are less common and yellow and sapphires are quite rare. The most common blue sapphires are subjected to heat treatment leading to color improvement. Sapphires are also obtained and ground and processed in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Cambodia, occur in Australia, Madagascar and others. The most common cuts are round, oval or pearl.
Sapphire is one of the four most respected gemstones and is the second hardest mineral on Earth after diamond. Its most famous dark blue form has been adored since ancient times for its color, durability and beauty.
Sapphire usually refers to a rich variety of blue varieties of mineral corundum gems, the fact is that this royal gemstone occurs in a variety of rainbow shades.
Sapphires come in all colors. Except for red, which instead deserves a ruby classification!
Trace elements such as iron, titanium, chromium, copper and magnesium give the naturally colorless corundum a blue, yellow, purple, orange or green hue. Sapphires in any color except blue are called “fancy”.
Pink sapphires form a thin line between ruby and sapphire. These gems must meet a certain color saturation in order to be considered rubies.
Pink-orange sapphires called padparadscha (from the Sri Lankan word for “lotus flower”) may have higher prices than some blue sapphires.
We know from ancient history that it is a stone that held a place of honor in the front row of Aaron’s shield. This shield, the so-called chest shield is made of a rectangular fabric, fitted in the chest. It is divided into twelve squares (4 rows of three squares) and each of them represents one Jewish nation, symbolized by a precious stone. The name saphirus is written here in Hebrew (Aramaic) and belongs mainly to the blue sapphire. Greek is called sappheiros. Blue sapphire was a favorite stone in the Oriente. It is said to guarantee its owners good ideas, the color combined with the heavens and the element of air.
According to the Crusades, it was a symbol of the Philosopher’s Stone. According to St. Hieronymus the sapphire “alleviates the wrath of God,” St. Hildegard considered it a “treasury and filled with wisdom.” Sapphire is a symbol of the Apostle Andrew. The sapphire in the so-called funeral ring of Emperor Rudolf II also symbolizes wisdom. Even today, it is considered a healing stone for heart and eye diseases, it is suitable for nervousness and insomnia. Blue sapphires are planted in important government jewels. It brings peace to the current owners and is a symbol of personality. The color of sapphire has its meaning. Light blue brings spirituality, encouragement, is the color of tenderness and a symbol of fidelity. The dark blue color of sapphire is a color of certainty and solidity, it supports success. It is the stone of people born in the sign of Aquarius (20.1.-18.2.), Aries (21.3.-19.4.) And Virgo (23.8.-22.9.). From ancient times, sapphire has been considered the stone of the month for April. According to the month of birth, he owns September.
Sapphire is said to help treat high blood pressure and migraines. Its wearer easily gains the favor of people and love.
And yes, Prince William’s wife, Kate, has him in an engagement ring after Princess Diane.
