Learn about Sapphire
Derivation of the Name:
“Sapphire” the name is derived from the Greek word, "sappheiros"
which means "precious stone". The word "sapphire"
has its descent from several ancient languages: the Persian word "safir"
(meaning "beloved of Saturn"), the Latin "sapphirus"
(meaning "blue"), and the Greek word "sappheiros"
for the island of Sappherine in the Arabian Sea where sapphires were found in ancient
Grecian times. Sapphire is called the “gemstone of the heavens”
because of its divine blue color. People of the ancient time believed that earth
was surrounded in an enormous solitaire Sapphire.
Family:
It belongs to the Corundum (aluminum oxide) family and is colored from crystal clear
white, pink, yellow, peach, orange, brown, violet, purple, green etc, but the most
admired color of sapphire is deep blue. It also exists in assortment of celestial
tinge of blue from the seductive midnight blue to the enigmatic ocean blue. Pink-orange
corundum are also sapphires, but are instead called Padparadscha.
Relates to:
This gemstone is the birthstone for the month of September with the Zodiac sign
Virgo. Hexagonal in Shape this hue of colors gemstone symbolizes truth, sincerity
and constancy. Sapphire gemstone is a durable stone and ranks a 9 on the Mohs scale
of hardness. Sapphire can be worn safely anytime without any second thought of it
getting cracked, chipped and scratched. It is generally paired with diamond to give
a sizzling look and thus has durability for long lasting.
Symbolizes:
Sapphire symbolizes wisdom, virtue, holiness and good fortune along with sincerity
and faithfulness.
Gems of Royals:
It has always been the first choice of the Royal Families and hence the major part
of the British Crown jewels bears Sapphire. Princess Diana and Princess Anne of
the British Royal Family were given sapphire engagement rings by their respective
spouses.
Helps in:
Sapphire gemstone has the power to heal inflammation, hearing problems, burns and
also deadly diseases like cancer. It has also the mystical power to influence the
Venus and banish all the evil thoughts. Sapphire has various shades like blue, yellow,
pink, purple, orange or green.
Synthesized Sapphire:
Sapphire was first synthesized in 1902. The process of creating synthetic sapphire
is known as the Verneuil process. Only experts can distinguish between natural and
synthetic sapphire.
Sources:
Sri Lanka is said to be the main source of Sapphire. In ancient days people dig
ground to get Sapphire and it is practiced even today. Blue Sapphire is also available
in every parts of Asia, Australia, parts of Africa and Brazil. Kashmir and Burma
are the dwelling place of the Blue Sapphire.
