Sapphire crystal gemstone healing and energetic properties and meaning

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

SAPPHIRE GEMSTONE PROPERTIES
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 crystal gemstone healing and energetic properties and meaning

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.