Information, History and Designing With Sapphire.

Design PossibilitiesFor a brilliant design, combine sapphire with silver or white gold with diamonds. Staying close to the blues on the color wheel, sapphire blends gently with aquamarine, turquoise-colored apatite, amethyst and rose quartz. It's stunning against the greens of peridot or sea green-colored apatite. For an elegant, regal impression, frame sapphire with gold and combine with pearls, garnet and black onyx.

History/BackgroundSince medieval times, sapphire has been associated with the majesty and tranquility of the heavens. It was thought to dispel evil thoughts and to bring peace and amiability to its wearer. The stone is associated with Abraham in the Judeo-Christian tradition. The name sapphire comes from the Greek (for blue), and as late as the Middle Ages, the word applied to lapis lazuli.

Metaphysical/Healing PropertiesFrom Antiquity, gemstones have been thought to possess mysterious powers. Sapphire is said to enhance creativity and to focus purity of thought. It is known as the stone of new love and commitment and is claimed to be useful in encouraging faithfulness and loyalty. Because of its blue color, it is associated with the throat and brow chakras - where energy imbalances are said to cause sore throats, headaches and nightmares.

Scientific DescriptionSapphires and rubies are closely related, having corundum as their base mineral. The iron pigment in the corundum makes sapphire blue, while the chrome element in rubies makes them red. Corundum gemstones are the second hardest of the most precious of gemstones (diamond, sapphire, ruby, and emerald). Sapphire actually has a range of colors, from blue to yellow to green to orange-pink.

Mineral Properties of Sapphire

• - Mineral Information

  Aluminum oxide, corundum group

• - Chemical Composition

  Al₂O₃

• - Color

  Blue

• - Hardness

  9

• - Specific Gravity

  3.99-4.00

• - Refractive Index

  1.766-1.774

OccurrenceSapphire is found primarily in pegmatite (igneous rock) or as water-worn pebbles in alluvial deposits. Large stones have been found only rarely. Sapphire has long been associated with Myanmar (Burma), Sri Lanka and India, but also is found in Australia, Africa, Cambodia, Brazil, and in the United States in Montana. The most highly prized is the cornflower blue stone from Kashmir.

**Please note that all metaphysical or healing properties listed are collected from various sources. This information is offered as a service and not meant to treat medical conditions. Atlantic Gems does not guarantee the validity of any of these statements.

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