gem of wisdom
SAPPHIRE
Sapphire Origin & Physical Properties
Sapphire is a precious gemstone and variety of Corundum, which is a mineral made up of aluminum oxide with trace amounts of chromium, magnesium, titanium and vanadium. Sapphire is typically blue but is also found in “fancy” colors of yellow, orange, purple and green. Red to Pink Corundum are classified as Rubies but some varieties of Pink Corundum are called “Pink Sapphire” to add to the confusion. Sapphire is an incredibly durable gemstone second only to Diamond and Moissanite in hardness, classified at 9 on the Mohs hardness scale.
The most valuable blue Sapphires have a saturated pure blue color that is bright and eye-catching. The blue color is caused by a phenomena known as inter valence charge transfer, which is when an electrons are exchanged along a valence band formed within the atomic structure of the mineral. As the stone absorbs electromagnetic energy, the iron ions transfer electrons to the titanium ions which shifts the valence state creating the blue color of Sapphire.
Star Sapphires are a specific variety of blue Corundum that exhibit asterism. These stones contain intersecting needle inclusions, often caused by titanium dioxide rutile inclusions. These gems are cut in cabochon with the center of the star ideally cut to be visible in the center of the gemstone.
Sapphires are generally mined from alluvial deposits, but also from primary deposits. Top mining locations for Sapphire include Afghanistan, Australia, Burma, Cambodia, India, Laos, Madagascar, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand and the U.S.A. Some of the worlds most precious Sapphires commanding the highest price per carat are unheated and untreated gemstones from Kashmir and Sri Lanka
| Category | Properties |
|---|---|
Chemical Composition |
(α-Al2O3) |
Mohs Hardness |
9 |
Luster |
Vitreous |
Specific Gravity |
3.98~4.06 |
Refractive Index |
1.76 - 1.77 |
Fluorescence |
Muliple |
Crystal System |
Trigonal |
Diaphaneity |
Transparent to nearly opaque |
Color |
Blue, pink, green, yellow, orange, purple, colourless, Black |
Origin |
Australia, Cambodia, Cameroon, China, Colombia, Ethiopia, India, Kenya, Laos, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Myanmar (Burma), Nigeria, Rwanda, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, United States |
Chakra |
Throat (5th) |
Zodiac |
Virgo |
Element |
Water |
Metaphysical Effects |
Wisdom Stone, balance, serenity, mind opening, expression, truth |
Sapphire Healing & Metaphysical Properties
Sapphire is the precious Blue, purple, golden and pink variety of Corundum. Its reputation throughout ancient cultures was legendary. It is a gem of wisdom, the intuition and divinity. Blue Sapphire is strongly linked with the energies of the throat and third-eye chakras. By stimulating the energy of these two chakras, Sapphire encourages the flow of wisdom and the voice of truth. Truth is often simple and pure, yet illusive. Sapphire can help distill a pure understanding of things and peel away layers of confusion.
The way that the blue color is produced in Sapphire, through a process called intervalence charge transfer is like nature’s alchemy. The free flow of electrons between ions cause the blue color ray to be visible. It is ruled by the planet Saturn and the energy of Sapphire represents structure, knowledge of self and the manifestation of goals into action.
Yellow Sapphire, like Blue is a gem of wisdom. It is aligned with the Solar-plexus Chakra and is a powerful gem for fortifying one’s will-power, self-reliance and inner strength. Violet Sapphire, in addition to activating the Third-eye also opens the Crown Chakra and has more of a feminine Yin energy than the classical Blue Sapphire. Pink Sapphire has very similar energetic properties to Ruby and acts as a strong gemstone of the heart, stimulating love, compassion and empathy.
Sapphire History & Mythology
Sapphire is derived from the Greek word ’Sapphirus’ meaning ‘blue’. The Ancient Greeks worshipped Sapphire as the gem of Apollo. The Oracle of Delphi wore Sapphires as a connection to the spirit world. Because of its connection to Appolo, Sapphire was known as the gem of prophecy and wisdom.
According to the Bible, Sapphire was the fifth stone in Aaron’s breastplate and the second stone in the foundation of Jerusalem. Sapphire throughout its history has been a gem of royalty, worn by kings, queens and emperors. The seal gem in King Solomon’s mythical ring is thought to have been blue Sapphire. The ‘seal of Solomon was said to give the king magical powers connected to the spirit world. Traditionally, Sapphire has been a birthstone for those born under the sign of Virgo.