Sapphires are gem varieties of the mineral corundum, which due to the presence of other trace elements such as iron, chromium or titanium can be found a number of different colors, such as blue, purple, pink, orange and yellow. The exception is red, as a red sapphire is labeled as a ruby.

Sapphire has a remarkable level of hardness (nine on the Mohs scale, and exceed by only that of the diamond, the hardest mineral on earth) and as a result has many uses, but in this article we will look at the gemstone in relation to its use in jewelry, as well as the believed meanings and properties that it can bring.

Background and Types of Sapphire

Due to its color, hardness and durability, Sapphire is one of the most desired of all gemstones. As with most gems the cost of natural sapphire can vary depending on cut, clarity, size and quality. The geographical origin can also affect the cost, and sapphire deposits have been found in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Australia and East Africa, as well as in the US at locations such as Gem Mountain and the Missouri River near Helena, Montana.

The primary color of a gemstone is known as the hue, and when we think of sapphires we often think of blue, which is the most common hue of this particular gem. Blue sapphires will often have a secondary hue, which can have a positive or negative effect on its quality, depending on the color. Violet and purple secondary hues are said to have a positive contribution to the overall beauty of a blue sapphire, whilst green is considered a negative.

Blue sapphires can be extremely valuable, and the most valuable shade of all is known as ‘Cornflower Blue’ or ‘Kashmir Sapphire’. Sapphires can also occur in a huge number of other colors, with purple, yellow and green all common, but of lower value than blue ones. Sapphire of any color other than blue is often known in the gem trade as ‘fancy’ sapphire.

Colorless sapphires are sometimes used as diamond substitutes, and pink-orange sapphires (known as Padparadscha) are extremely rare, and can sometimes command even higher prices than the finest blue sapphires. Another rare variety of sapphire is the color change sapphire, which exhibits different colors in different lights, ranging from blue to purple and green to pink. This variety is found predominantly in Tanzania.

Sapphire Meanings and Properties

As with the majority of gemstones and crystals, sapphires have many meanings and properties. The sapphire has strong associations with religion, and as well as being the symbol of heaven and devotion to God, legend has it that Moses was presented with the Ten Commandments on tablets of sapphire, making it extremely sacred and significant.

It also carries the energies of love, power and healing, and it is said that a necklace of sapphires will cure a sore throat. The gems draw protection and wisdom to the wearer, allowing them to achieve their mission in life and fulfill their dreams and desires.

In planetary terms the gem is the symbol of Venus (light blue) and Saturn (dark blue). Sapphire is also the birthstone associated with September, and the 45^th wedding anniversary is known as the ‘Sapphire Anniversary’.

Find more Gemstone information Here:

 Tanzanite

Ruby

Amethyst

Created Gemstones

Black Diamonds