Sapphire is derived from Sanskrit “śanipriya” which probably referred instead at the time to lapis lazuli. It is a typically blue gemstone variety of the mineral corundum, an aluminium oxide. Trace amounts of elements such as iron, titanium, chromium, copper, or magnesium can give corundum respectively blue, yellow, purple, orange, or green color. Chromium impurities in corundum yield pink or red tint, the latter being called ruby.
We are accustomed to the fact that sapphire is a basically deep blue stone, but you can find a variety of shades of this stone. Each type has its own special name. For example, Padparadzha or Padmaradzha is a rare variety of red, yellow and orange sapphire (“padmaradzhu” from the Sinhala language means “lotus flower”).
Stellated sapphire stone – opaque kind of sapphire with optical effect of asterism.
And also it is a stone that helps to keep love, loyalty and friendship.
This is because sapphire is a stone of fidelity, modesty, chastity. For more information about wedding rings with sapphire, you can read this post: ”Engagement Rings: Make A Right Choice”.
By the way, sapphire stone has almost the same properties as the turquoise stone. And turquoise is considered a semi-precious gem, so it will cost for you less. Read more about turquoise here: ”Turquoise Stone: Beauty In Details”.
Depending on the fact that different nations have discovered this gem for themselves at different times, in different territories and gave it a variety of values, sapphire stone has another history and etymology. It is believed that this stone got its name from the word “canipriya”, which translation from the ancient Indian means “beloved by Saturn.” The same reason is also associated with a faith of many nations in the fact that Sapphire transmits cosmic energy.
”Sapphires are mined from alluvial deposits or from primary underground workings. Commercial mining locations for sapphire and ruby include (but are not limited to) the following countries: Afghanistan, Australia, Myanmar/Burma, Cambodia, China, Colombia, India, Kenya,Laos, Madagascar, Malawi, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, United States, and Vietnam. Sapphires from different geographic locations may have different appearances or chemical-impurity concentrations, and tend to contain different types of microscopic inclusions. Because of this, sapphires can be divided into three broad categories: classic metamorphic, non-classic metamorphic or magmatic, and classic magmatic”.
Sapphire stone differs in unusual strength and hardness, due to which this gem is very durable and resistant to external influences. That’s why sapphire stone is used in the most expensive jewelry. Rings, bracelets, earrings, necklaces, and even inlays in wedding tiaras! This stone is so beautiful, that no woman will be able to resist it. And due to the saturated color of a summer night sky, even men are looking for a jewelry with sapphire stone.
Also, there is another version that the word “sapphire” is derived from the Babylonian “sipri“ that means “scratching” and that could be, considering hardness of this mineral.
Sapphire is a symbol of the celestial dome, it is a stone contemplation and reflection. Priests of the Jupiter Temple constantly wore rings with a cornflower colored sapphire. Sapphire stone decorated clothing of priests in Judah, India. It adorned the crown of Cleopatra. It is believed that the blue color of sapphire and its energy field soothe, relieve excitement and appease raging passions.
The most famous sapphire of “St Edward” adorns the British crown pommel, the heart of the cross.
It was believed that it could cure leprosy and all sorts of wicked growths, acting as an antidote. Sapphire stone helps with insomnia, backache, colds, asthma, heart disease and even cancer. It exerts a positive effect in diabetes, kidney disease and reduces arterial pressure. According to the Indian Ayurveda, Sapphire helps with neuralgia, epilepsy, hysteria, sciatica and with all other violations.
Sapphire… Stone, which we find out according to its saturated blue color, has the most unexpected shades and variations, has the strength and durability, as well as the power of love, space and great medical properties.