Sapphires, with their deep, mesmerizing blue hues, are among the most sought-after gemstones in the world. Revered for their beauty and durability, they have adorned royalty and been a part of human history for centuries. However, there is much more to sapphires than meets the eye. In this article, we delve into the lesser-known aspects of sapphires, revealing fascinating facts about their composition, history, and cultural significance. Whether you are a gemstone enthusiast or simply curious about these precious stones, here are ten things you might not know about sapphires.
1. Sapphires Come in Every Color Except Red
While blue is the most iconic and widely recognized color of sapphires, these gemstones actually come in a vast spectrum of colors, known as “fancy sapphires.” They can be found in pink, yellow, green, purple, orange, and even colorless varieties. The only color they do not come in is red; red corundum is classified as ruby. This diversity in color is due to trace elements present during the formation of the stone. For instance, iron and titanium create blue sapphires, while chromium results in pink or red hues, and a mix of these elements can produce orange or purple sapphires.
2. The Birthstone for September
Sapphires are the birthstone for September, symbolizing wisdom, loyalty, and nobility. This connection to wisdom and royalty dates back centuries. In ancient times, people believed that sapphires protected their wearers from envy and harm. They were also thought to attract blessings from heaven. The connection to royalty is so strong that sapphires have been featured prominently in royal regalia and jewelry for generations, including the famous sapphire engagement ring of Princess Diana, now worn by Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge.
3. Star Sapphires: A Unique Phenomenon
One of the most unique and intriguing types of sapphire is the star sapphire. These stones exhibit a star-like pattern known as asterism, which is caused by needle-like inclusions of the mineral rutile. When cut into a cabochon shape, these inclusions reflect light in a way that creates a star pattern on the surface of the stone. Star sapphires are highly prized and can have stars with four, six, or even twelve rays. The most famous star sapphire is the Star of India, which weighs an astonishing 563.35 carats and is housed in the American Museum of Natural History.
4. The Hardness Factor
Sapphires are a variety of the mineral corundum and are renowned for their exceptional hardness, ranking 9 on the Mohs scale. This makes them the second hardest natural gemstone after diamonds. This hardness not only makes them durable and ideal for daily wear but also highly resistant to scratching. Because of this property, sapphires are often used in industrial applications, such as in watch crystals, electronic wafers, and scientific instruments.
5. Famous Sapphires in History
Throughout history, sapphires have adorned the crowns and jewelry of royalty and been the subject of legends and myths. One of the most famous sapphires is the Logan Sapphire, a 422.99-carat blue sapphire from Sri Lanka, now housed in the Smithsonian Institution. Another notable sapphire is the Stuart Sapphire, part of the British Crown Jewels, which has been passed down through generations of the British monarchy. The Black Star of Queensland, at 733 carats, is one of the largest star sapphires in the world.
6. Synthetic Sapphires: Man-Made Marvels
The first synthetic sapphires were created in the early 20th century using the Verneuil process, which involves melting aluminum oxide and allowing it to crystallize into sapphires. These lab-created sapphires are chemically and physically identical to their natural counterparts but are typically much less expensive. Today, synthetic sapphires are used not only in jewelry but also in a variety of industrial applications due to their hardness and optical properties.
7. The Healing Properties of Sapphires
Many cultures have attributed healing properties to sapphires. In ancient times, they were believed to cure ailments and provide physical and mental healing. Medieval Europeans thought sapphires could cure eye diseases and were used as an antidote to poison. In modern crystal healing practices, sapphires are believed to bring mental clarity, calm the mind, and promote spiritual enlightenment. Blue sapphires, in particular, are associated with the throat chakra and are thought to enhance communication and self-expression.
8. Sapphires in Modern Technology
Beyond their aesthetic appeal, sapphires play a crucial role in modern technology. Due to their hardness and durability, synthetic sapphire is used in various high-tech applications. For instance, sapphire is used in the production of scratch-resistant windows for military vehicles, commercial watch crystals, and high-durability screens for smartphones. Additionally, sapphire substrates are vital in the production of LED lights and semiconductor wafers, highlighting the gemstone’s versatility and importance in the tech industry.
9. The Mystical Legends and Lore
Sapphires have long been associated with mystical and magical properties. In ancient Persia, people believed the earth rested on a giant sapphire, and its reflection gave the sky its blue color. In medieval Europe, clergy wore sapphires to symbolize Heaven, and they were thought to protect their wearers from envy and harm. Sapphires were also believed to have the power to influence spirits, making them popular among mystics and alchemists. Today, many still believe in the protective and healing properties of sapphires, using them in spiritual practices and meditation.
10. Sourcing Ethical and Sustainable Sapphires
In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the environmental and ethical implications of gemstone mining. As a result, there is increasing demand for ethically sourced and sustainably mined sapphires. Initiatives such as the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) and Fairtrade Gold are working to ensure that sapphires and other gemstones are mined and traded responsibly. Consumers are becoming more conscious of the origins of their gemstones, seeking assurances that the stones are conflict-free and that the mining processes do not harm local communities or ecosystems.
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