Blue sapphire. All about sapphire as a precious stone. The healing properties of sapphire

Sapphire is a stone that has adorned symbols of royal power since ancient times and was endowed with many mystical properties. It belongs to the group of precious stones mined from hard rocks, and for many centuries it has captivated people with its unique beauty. Many people ask whether this stone is precious or semi-precious. Along with natural emerald and ruby, the generally accepted classification, of course, classifies it as a precious gemstone, the cost of which is often considerable.

Story

There is still debate about where the name of these stones came from. According to some historians, the word “sapphire” comes from the language of ancient Babylon from “spira”, which means “scratching”. It is the hardness of sapphire that most likely gave rise to its name. Another, more poetic version traces the origin of the word to the ancient Indian language, to the word “caniprya” (beloved of Saturn). In Hellas, "sappheiros" was the name for all dark blue gemstones. There are other names for sapphires in history. So, until the 19th century in Russia they were called azure yachts, lapis lazuli.

The most famous sapphire jewelry, decorated with large and clear stones, belongs to the ruling dynasties of Europe and Asia. The brooch, which belonged to the Indian Maharaja, was made from a 4,000-carat gem. The power of the Russian emperors is decorated with a stone half as large. Since ancient times, the sapphire gemstone has meant its owner’s direct relationship to power and control of a large number of people.

A large blue stone of 167 carats, cut into the shape of a rose, adorns the crown of the British Empire. The cut of sapphires can be different. For example, another world-famous jewel belonging to the English royal family is Princess Diana's engagement ring, which is now worn by the Duchess of Cambridge, née Kate Middleton. The ring features an oval Ceylon corundum surrounded by diamonds. By the way, sapphires were generally one of Lady Di’s favorite stones, who adored all shades of dark blue.

The collection of the Orange dynasty, ruling in the Netherlands, included a parure that included massive jewelry trimmed with sapphires and diamonds. Now many of the decorations from this set have been converted into more modern ones.

The tradition of decorating the jewelry of rulers with corundum dates back to ancient times. According to legend, these beautiful stones were inserted into the crown of Cleopatra herself.

Characteristics

Now all corundums are called sapphires, with the exception of those that are red in color (rubies). From a chemical point of view, the description of the stone is as follows: sapphire is a mineral consisting almost entirely of aluminum oxide. It has a glassy luster and one of the highest strength values on the Mohs scale (the table indicates a number of 9 points). Only . is considered a harder mineral. The clarity and purity of sapphire can vary. There are both transparent stones, varying in purity, and completely opaque gems.

Some corundums are characterized by the phenomenon of asterism - the appearance on the surface of a stone of a star with six or twelve rays. This feature occurs in minerals with rutile inclusions, using a cutting method called “cabochon”. costs more than others.

Production

Sapphire is a stone whose deposits are found on all continents except Antarctica. The most valuable and beautiful of them are considered to be minerals native to India and Tanzania. The island of Ceylon is also a popular place where sapphire is mined. In India, the Kashmir deposit was discovered after an earthquake, which exposed rich deposits of sapphires of amazingly pure, cornflower blue color. This shade is considered the reference shade for blue corundums. Ceylon stone and gems from Burma are approaching him. Now the development of the Kashmir field has been stopped.

In Tanzania, two types of stones are mined, which have received a separate name. Songea and Tunduru are the names of the deposits, which also became the names of the sapphires mined there. Songea are often green or reddish stones, among which there are many minerals with the effect of asterism. It is believed that these corundums have the richest color palette. An interesting feature of songea is its amazing purity, combined with its small size. A 2-carat songea is already a rarity. Tunduru is the only deposit in Tanzania where blue minerals are mined.

Stones from the island of Ceylon (Sri Lanka) are known not only for their quality, but also for their rare properties. Minerals are often mined there that can exhibit asterism after a suitable cut or change color under certain conditions. They often become exhibits in collections in their own right, without being included in a piece of jewelry.

Properties

Sapphire is a stone to which, from time immemorial, magical properties have been attributed, largely related to its color scheme. Thus, minerals whose main shade is blue were associated by different civilizations with divine power and authority.

This precious gem has always served as a worthy decoration for the vestments of priests in India and Judea. In the Roman Empire, only priests of the supreme deity of the pantheon, Jupiter, could wear jewelry with them. In these religions, sapphire, the properties of which were especially valued by the high priests of the Roman pantheons, personified calmness and a penchant for contemplation. In the countries of the Ancient East, this stone was always spoken of as a bearer of wisdom, and in Europe - modesty and virtue.

Astrologers believe that sapphire is associated with Jupiter and Saturn, and recommend it for signs of the air and fire elements. For Leo and Sagittarius, wearing these stones will bring stability and help curb irrepressible energy and negative character traits. For unstable Aquarius and Libra, sapphires give peace, self-knowledge and confidence. Sapphire is useful for Pisces.

They used to believe in . It was believed that a lady who wanted to attract the attention of her lover needed to give him a drink from dishes inlaid with corundum. And the properties of the stone associated with the manifestation of asterism were considered the embodiment of Faith, Hope and Love.

Price

The cost of a stone is determined by four indicators, which in English-speaking countries are called the four C rule (Colour, Clarity, Cut, Carat weight):

sapphire color;
purity of the stone;
cutting;
carat weight.

These characteristics of sapphire together determine its value. The most important of them is color as a decisive indicator of the quality and possibility of using a stone in jewelry.

Now these stones, so beloved by royalty, occupy a worthy place in the catalogs of the largest jewelry houses. Regardless of whether a classic or innovative combination of metals and stones is used in the jewelry, sapphires will emphasize the refined taste and style of their owner.

How to choose?

When choosing a stone, it is important not to stumble upon a fake made of glass or other material that unscrupulous traders can pass off as a natural, expensive gem. How to choose the right sapphire? This can be difficult to do, especially if the buyer is new to the jewelry business and understands little about the essence of the issue. However, some tips are still worth following.

The main physical characteristic of a mineral is its hardness. You can try to scratch it a little without fear of resentment from the sellers because of this simple check that can make all the difference. This is done often, and if when a stone is scratched with a sharp object, marks appear on it, then it is a fake. Of course, it’s not a fact that the seller will be happy, but you can try.

What does a sapphire look like if it is real? Typically, the structure of a natural mineral is heterogeneous, which is clearly shown by bright light. If the stone inside is suspiciously uniform in color and has no roughness, it is most likely a fake. It is also important to keep in mind that the colors of sapphire and even its structure can be imitated by using some other, cheaper natural stone. This means that you need to increase your vigilance. Moreover, there are many cases where specially colored tourmalines are often passed off as expensive types of sapphires.

Specialized gemological laboratories have special chemical solutions, thanks to which it is possible to identify a fake with much greater accuracy. It is best to consult with familiar jewelers before purchasing, if you have them, and you should buy jewelry in trusted places.

Sapphire is a gemstone, one of the varieties of corundum.

Minerologists usually call dark blue corundums sapphires, although in nature there are also specimens of fancy colors: yellow sapphires, orange, green, colorless, pink sapphires, blue and other colors - they have the same chemical formula, but differ in the content of impurities. The stone owes its deep blue color to the presence of titanium and iron compounds in its molecular structure.

Place of Birth

The richest sapphire placers are located in Southeast Asia (Thailand, Burma, China, Vietnam), India, Australia and the United States. In Russia, industrial production is not carried out due to the lack of large deposits.

The most valuable and beautiful, recognized as the standard, are Kashmir sapphires, which received their name from the place of their extraction - Kashmir (a disputed region occupied by India and Pakistan). They have a rich blue-cornflower blue hue and do not change color depending on the lighting, and due to microcrystalline inclusions they are not very transparent. In Kashmir sapphires, the structure of the mineral is most clearly expressed; at a certain angle, you can see the parallel layers that form the crystal.

Natural and synthetic sapphires

Artificial sapphire was first synthesized in the USA in the mid-twentieth century, and since then large-scale production of such corundum has been carried out all over the world. The main difference between artificial stones is the absence of natural inclusions, which can only be seen under a microscope. Under an ultraviolet lamp, a synthetic mineral will show a green tint, while a natural stone will have a white sheen.

Unfortunately, only a specialist can distinguish an artificial sapphire from a natural one in finished jewelry, therefore, in order not to purchase a fake, you should require a certificate for the product.

Magical and healing properties of sapphire

Sapphire is considered the stone of heaven and has powerful cosmic energy. He has always been a symbol of wisdom, justice, purity and spirituality. In many cultures, sapphire was the main decoration of temples; it was worn by priests and clergy, and it contributed to the unity of man and god. Due to the ability to pass energy through itself and purify it, sapphires are often used in the process of meditation. This is a stone with very strong but calm energy. Sapphire pacifies passions, awakens the power of the mind, strengthens the spirit and will. Blue corundum brings fidelity, peace and love to family life, protects against betrayal, gossip and slander.

In ancient times, cups were inlaid with sapphires, as it was believed that the stone could recognize poison by changing its color, and it was also used as an antidote. Lithotherapists recommend wearing sapphires for diseases of the visual and respiratory organs, blood pressure and heart rhythm disorders, and insomnia. This stone can also calm and help people prone to hysterics and psychosis.

Who is sapphire suitable for?

Sapphire is very good for people of creative professions; it will help them to fully reveal their talent and find new, extraordinary solutions. This stone awakens a thirst for knowledge, improves memory and concentration, so students and students should carry it with them. Sapphire can become a talisman for insecure individuals; it will bring them luck and give them courage.

From an astrological point of view, sapphire is suitable for Aquarius - it will bring them self-confidence and eloquence, and will help them win the sympathy and trust of others. For Aries, the stone will allow you to curb your emotionality and temper. If Virgo wears jewelry with sapphire, it will become easier for her to establish relationships with others and find a common language. Geminis who own this stone will be able to make reliable friends, and Scorpios will find harmony with themselves and the world around them. Pisces and Libra will become more thoughtful and insightful, while sapphire will bring peace of mind to Leo and contribute to effective work.

Probably, sapphire is of particular value for Cancer - with its help, this sign can not only calm the nervous system, but also experience all the healing properties of the stone: sapphire will speed up the healing of heart and kidney diseases.

Taurus should be more careful with sapphire if the representative of this sign is not a very responsible person and is prone to laziness. Sapphire is absolutely not suitable for Capricorn - the stone can take away strength and oppress.

Sapphire is a first-order gemstone, which means that, along with , and , it is the most valuable among all known gemstones.

Thanks to its deep, pure hue and unique properties, sapphire is rightfully considered the stone of rulers, generals and emperors.

The most common sapphire is usually blue with various shades, but among them there are stones of yellow, pinkish, green, black and completely transparent, and also star-shaped.

Due to their hardness and purity of color, they are widely used in jewelry. There are also artificially produced stones. They look very similar and are used to make cheaper jewelry and in industry.

History of the origin of the stone

The special properties of sapphire were first noted in ancient times by the inhabitants of Southeast Asia.

Their attention was attracted by a grayish stone, characterized by amazing strength. These stones were named .

In Greek, this stone later became known as "sapphire" from the Greek "sappheiros", which literally means blue gemstone.

Among the sapphires there are also red stones, but currently they are considered separately, called rubies.

With the development of science in the 18th century, when minerals learned to be distinguished from each other by composition, the Swedish chemist G. Vallerius proposed that, in order to avoid confusion, blue corundum should be called sapphire.

Characteristics

According to the chemical structure, sapphire stone is aluminum oxide. It is called crystalline alumina.

In its natural form it occurs in the form of crystals of various shapes:

The density is 3.9 – 4.1 g/cm2.
Melting point – 2050 degrees Celsius.
The hardness of the mineral on the Mohs scale is 9, which means that only diamond is stronger than sapphire.

Place of Birth

Sapphire occurrences are found on different continents in places where granite pegmatite is deposited.

The largest of them are located in the USA, India, Burma, Thailand, China, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, and Madagascar.

It is not widespread in Russia and its industrial production is not profitable. But a certain amount of stone is found in the Urals and on the Kola Peninsula.

The purest and highest quality sapphires of amazing deep cornflower blue color were previously mined in Kashmir (a disputed region in the north-west of Hindustan).

Currently, there is no active mining there, which makes Kashmir sapphires especially rare and valuable.

Types and colors

Blue

Thanks to its amazing shades, it is the most valuable variety. Its color and color saturation depend on the presence of titanium and iron impurities.

The shade of blue sapphire can be light, almost colorless, or it can be so deep that the stone appears almost opaque.

Such dark sapphires are less valuable. Due to the presence of various impurities, pure and uniform color is quite rare.

But when cut correctly, blue sapphire becomes a real treasure. Sapphires of a special cornflower blue color were found in Kashmir. They can cost more than emerald.

Yellow

The stone can be of different shades from light yellow to deep amber. Its popularity is slightly less high than that of blue, and the pure color is also quite rare.

Yellows are generally cheaper than blues, but are also widely used in jewelry due to their pleasant warm hue.

Green

The stone does not have such a pure green hue as emerald. Its color is formed by the merging of yellow and blue areas.

It is valued lower than other types of sapphire. Stones of a greenish hue can be found in the mountains of the Kola Peninsula.

Pink

Rarely found, mainly in the deposits of Madagascar and Sri Lanka. It has an amazing delicate shade and successfully replaces a more expensive pink diamond.

White

The second name is leucosapphire. An absolutely transparent stone, very similar to a diamond. Due to its lower cost, it is sometimes used as a replacement. Interesting effects are achieved in jewelry by combining these stones with each other.

Black

An opaque or translucent stone with a noble shine, reminiscent of.

The stone is not valued very highly; it is suitable for creating jewelry in a simple style, in jewelry for men. Mainly mined in Australia. Black star sapphires are of particular value.

Star-shaped

Star sapphires, sometimes called star stones, have needle-like rutile inclusions in their structure that refract light in a special way.

When properly polished, the light on their surface is refracted in the form of a star-shaped figure. To achieve this effect, the surface of the stone is not cut, but polished, giving it the shape of a sphere or hemisphere.

The price of such crystals depends on their shade and quality of light reflection.

Synthetic

Artificial sapphire is produced by industrial methods. It is created from aluminum oxide by adding impurities to it and heating it to 2200 degrees. It is used in technological production and to create cheaper and more accessible jewelry.

The color of such stones is more uniform and pure, but their healing and magical properties are much lower than those of natural ones.

Magic properties

Sapphire has the ability to accumulate cosmic energy.

It helps to find harmony and integrity in life. It is of particular importance for those who want to find their way, find inner comfort, and get rid of depression.

For a person who is too prone to unnecessary rushing, sapphire will be an excellent assistant in establishing internal balance.

It fuels creativity and brings inspiration. The protective properties of sapphire are widely known.

It cleanses space from any negative energy, so its wearer is not subject to the evil eye and damage. The pure color of sapphire symbolizes the honesty, fidelity, and chastity of a woman.

The stone is used to make amulets against the evil eye and talismans, symbolizing the radiance of the mind, spiritual purity and wisdom.

The magic of sapphire depends on its color:

Yellow– especially strong protection against damage, slander, as well as internal uncertainty and anxiety. Gives determination, attracts creative ideas, relieves depression. Anxious people are not recommended to wear this stone constantly, because... it can lead to inner restlessness.
Blue– the best talisman for those who have problems with the cardiovascular system. Relieves inflammation and headaches. Allows you to collect your thoughts and tune in to a positive wave. Designed for those who want to always achieve their goals.
Light blue helps to feel the energy of higher powers and reveal magical abilities.
Black– the best talisman that prevents depression, can restore taste and interest in life, and restores self-confidence. It is a good talisman against dark forces.
White sapphire allows you to regain faith in yourself, show your inner potential and achieve success. This is a symbol of fidelity and purity, which can be a good gift as a sign of your feelings for your loved one.
Green helps with sleep problems, develops kindness, compassion, and empathy in people. Helps with eye diseases.
Pink sapphire– you need to be careful with this stone, because... it helps to materialize thoughts. If you keep a thirst for profit in your soul, anger, envy, dark thoughts can materialize and hit the bearer of this stone. But if your thoughts are bright and your goal is noble, pink sapphire will definitely help you achieve it.

Star sapphire has special magical powers, which accumulate energy at the intersection of light rays.

It must be remembered that any sapphire with color defects can lead to the opposite effect, bringing suffering and trouble to a person.

Medicinal properties

Sapphire has long been used in the treatment of eye diseases; it is useful to apply it to the temple and rinse the eyes with water containing a sapphire crystal. For headaches, a sapphire crystal is applied to the forehead. Previously it was believed that he was able to cope with such a dangerous disease as leprosy.

Sapphire alleviates colds, asthma, and saves from heart disease. For hypertension, diabetes, and renal colic, sapphire can bring significant relief. The stone is used for rheumatic pain, skin diseases and various inflammations.

Which zodiac sign is it suitable for?

Sapphire is a stone endowed with considerable power, under the protection of Saturn and Jupiter.

This determines its influence on different zodiac signs:

. Capricorns are the sign of ambitious and purposeful people. The strong energy of sapphire can push them to unbridled actions, sow chaos and confusion in their lives. Sapphire can only be worn by balanced and harmonious representatives of this sign.
. The stone helps to harmonize the restless soul of Aquarius, give self-confidence, direct creative energy in the right direction, protect against negative influence from the outside, strengthen intuition and enhance the ability to empathize. Therefore, sapphire is well suited for this sign.
. The stone increases the internal energy of fish, strengthening their internal resources and bringing balance. Blue sapphires are especially suitable for fish. But the influence of sapphire on this sign is somewhat weaker, so to achieve a good effect they should take a closer look at other precious stones.
. Helps Aries become wiser, more insightful, and gives them power over their negative emotions. Aries' desire to understand the world intensifies under the influence of sapphire. A clear, cool blue sapphire is ideal for this sign.
. When wearing sapphire, the horoscope advises Taurus to be careful: this stone can only be suitable for Taurus who are ready for action and have an active life position. In case of passivity, the sapphire’s energy will simply be wasted. For Taurus, who often go ahead, the protective properties of sapphire will be useful. Stones of blue, green, and yellow shades are especially recommended.
. The stone is able to bring balance and orderliness to the restless nature of the twins. The stone smoothes out contradictions, allows you to remove negative energy, making your character more holistic and balanced.
. The properties of sapphire to attract positive energy and cure depression are perfect for this sign. The stone will give Cancers good luck and protect them from all negative energies. But due to its strong influence on emotions and moods, yellow sapphire is not suitable for Cancers.
. Increases diligence, increases internal reserves, helps achieve goals. At the same time, it harmonizes the internal state, helping to get rid of pride and vanity. Pink and yellow sapphires are considered the most favorable for Leos, but blue ones have less impact.
. An ideal stone for virgins. With its immaculate and pure radiance, it is able to illuminate life and make it more spiritual. Sapphire will help make relationships with other people easier for modest and often reserved virgins. Sapphire will protect you from doubts and hesitations, help you become more purposeful and strong-willed, and help you in intellectual development.
. It will help you become more decisive, make your choice easier, and reveal your creativity, often hidden behind pragmatism. Like Pisces, the influence of sapphire on this sign is weakened compared to others. It is recommended to wear yellow or colorless sapphires.
. It stabilizes the internal energy of Scorpio, directing it in a creative direction, pacifies passions, filling the life of this sign with positive emotions. It protects against the influence of negative energy, which is often caused by the difficult character of Scorpio.
. The cool blue color of sapphire helps to curb the passions and excessive excitement of a Sagittarius, bringing harmony into his life, helping to overcome laziness and fear.

Who is the name suitable for?

The energy of sapphire most fully corresponds to some names:

Male names: Timofey, Denis, Egor, Nikolai, Georgy and Vitaly.
Female names: Veronica, Antonina, Julia, Maria and Raisa.

Jewelry and combination with other stones

Sapphires mined in nature are subjected to various cuts. Star-shaped ones are processed in the form of cabochons. Most mined sapphires have an uneven color, so they are refined by subjecting them to intense heat.

This allows you to achieve a clean, uniform color, but such stones have a lower cost compared to natural ones.

Used individually in jewelry or combined with other precious and semi-precious stones.

Most suitable for sapphire, diamond, emerald, ruby,. Sometimes in jewelry the depth and richness of blue sapphire is offset by delicate blue.

Sapphire is used in all types of jewelry. Sapphire earrings perfectly complement blue and blue eyes. For women with brown and green eyes, yellow and green stones are suitable. Beads, a pendant, or a ring with sapphire will be an excellent gift and will show the seriousness and sincerity of feelings.

Looks great in silver and gold, as well as in a frame made from a combination of different metals. Silver gives sapphire severity, sublimity, and purity. And the gold frame makes the blue sapphire luxurious, turning it into a truly royal stone.

Other uses of stone

Due to its high strength and transparency, sapphire is widely used. Artificial stone, especially its transparent form, is used to create heavy-duty glasses for the space and aviation industries, glass slides, optical instruments, cameras, ophthalmology, and to create substrates for microcircuits.

What is the price?

The price depends on the size of the stone, its purity and processing method:

Simple sapphire cabochons can be purchased starting at $10 per carat. In rubles this will be just under 600 at the 2017 exchange rate.
An inexpensive green processed sapphire costs about $75 per carat.
The yellow one can be purchased for $120.
Pure cornflower blue retails for $300 per carat.
Blue, unheated, costs more than $1,000 per carat.

Care

Sapphire is a very durable stone, so it is quite difficult to damage it. But over time, a fatty film can accumulate on the surface, which can reduce its shine. To clean a sapphire, you need to gently wipe it with soap and water, then rinse with clean water and wipe dry with a soft, lint-free cloth. The procedure must be carried out at least once every six months.

How to distinguish from a fake?

It is very easy to distinguish sapphire from painted glass - sapphire is so durable that it does not remain scratched when exposed to a hard object. It is more difficult to distinguish expensive natural sapphire from synthetic one.

In natural stone, when viewed through a magnifying glass, one can almost always feel heterogeneity, small inclusions, which are absent only in the most expensive natural specimens, or in stones grown artificially.

Natural sapphire is slightly cool to the touch. Synthetic sapphire does not have this property.

Natural stone does not need too many facets. Complex cuts often make it difficult to determine the authenticity of a stone.

The world's largest sapphire, called the Star of Adam, was mined in Sri Lanka in 2015. It weighs 1404.49 carats or 281 g. Its value ranges from 100 to 175 million dollars.
The book of Exodus says that God gave Moses the 10 Commandments, engraved on sapphire tablets.
In the Middle Ages, kings crowned their symbols of power with large sapphires. The orb of Catherine the Second was decorated with a large blue sapphire.
It is believed that the seal of the wisest and fairest king, Solomon, was created from sapphire.

Photo

Sapphire is truly a royal, noble stone. In terms of beauty and value, it is equal to diamonds. In terms of price, it is one of the four leaders - the most expensive stones on the planet. It is a type of corundum and although the most common are blue and blue minerals, there are also sapphires of other colors. They are no less valuable than blue ones, they are just much less common, and therefore are most often purchased by private collectors.

History and meaning of sapphire

It is assumed that the first sapphire stone was found in southeast Asia, but, of course, there is no scientific confirmation of this, since many years have passed since its discovery.

The first thing the people who found it noticed was the hardness of the stone, the second was its beauty. Of course, using it just like that, in everyday life, was blasphemy. Therefore, from the moment the discovery appeared, it was used in jewelry or used as currency.

Sapphire was originally called corundum. Over time, all types and colors of corundum began to be called sapphires. Only red corundums are not included in this group; they were renamed rubies. The name “sapphire” comes from the Greek word “sappheiros” and translates as “blue stone”. Some scholars believe that the name comes from the ancient Babylonian dialect, where the word “sipru” meant “scratching”. In ancient Rus', it was popularly called “baus” or “azure yakhont”.

Mineral deposits

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There are deposits of sapphire in many countries, but truly valuable specimens of unique beauty are not mined everywhere.

Sapphires are mined in Russia, but not for jewelry, as they are of very low quality. They are used in technology, for the manufacture of eye lenses and similar purposes.
Tanzania, USA, Kenya, Vietnam, Burma have good deposits. Sometimes, when mining in these countries, quite valuable specimens are found.
Greenish, so-called “Siamese” sapphires are mined mainly in Thailand and Cambodia.
Light blue stones or “Ceylon”, as they are popularly called, are purposefully mined from deposits in Sri Lanka.
Up to 25% of all sapphires are of Australian origin. It is in this country that they are mined and then sold to other countries for processing.
Pink stones are mined in Sri Lanka and Madagascar. They are very rare and valuable.
The most expensive sapphires, not counting rare and collectible ones, are mined in India (Jammu, Kashmir). They have been mined by hand at an altitude of 4 kg above sea level since the 19th century! The color is cornflower blue, the value is the highest, since they are very rarely found on the world market.

Varieties of sapphire

Sapphires vary in stone color. There are several varieties of the mineral, each with its own value and special qualities.

Physical properties

Sapphire stone is aluminum oxide, crystalline alumina. It is mined in the form of crystals in the form of a barrel, double pyramid or tabular shape. Sometimes you come across unique groups of fused crystals.

The color of sapphire can be varied. The color saturation in sapphire depends on the amount of inclusions of titanium and iron. Currently, there is a widespread practice of refining the mineral. The extracted stones are subject to heat treatment - they are heated to 1400 degrees. This greatly enhances the color and makes it brighter.

What physical properties does it have?

The magical properties of sapphire

Since ancient times, sapphire has been a stone of devotion and friendship. It was given to young girls who wore it as a sign of chastity, virginity, purity.

The magical properties of sapphire are very strong and unique if its wearer has good intentions. It allows you to identify lies, gives joy and good mood. It strengthens love, marriage, if both people truly love. It makes women attractive and men decisive.

The sapphire stone helps travelers on the road, and gives creative people endless inspiration. Amulets made from it can become an excellent protective symbol for the family. He will protect you from injustice, fear, evil and envy.

The healing properties of sapphire

Sapphire is rarely used in folk medicine and lithotherapy. But not because it has no healing qualities. The healing properties of sapphire have been known since the times of Ancient Mesopotamia and Ancient China, however, due to the high cost of these stones, this treatment is not available to everyone.

Who is the sapphire stone suitable for according to their zodiac sign?

There are only two zodiac signs that are always and in any situation protected by the sapphire stone - Sagittarius, Taurus. Representatives of these zodiac signs are not only allowed, but even need to wear it. It strengthens all their good thoughts, helps them find themselves in life, find harmony, true love.

Sapphire can help other signs, but only at certain moments in life. You should only wear it with good intentions and no more than once a week. It is worth noting that the mineral is not compatible with the constellation Capricorn, unless a person was born under the auspices of Jupiter, the planet of this stone.

How to distinguish a fake from the original?

Sapphire stone is considered incredibly valuable. It was counterfeited even in ancient times, and today, with advanced technologies, this happens very often. Nowadays you can find artificial glass, stones synthesized in a special way, refined and, of course, natural. How to distinguish a real sapphire?

A real sapphire is very durable, it is not easy to scratch, so if it can withstand the impact of some hard material, then it is definitely an original.
The mineral has a heterogeneous structure, which is visible when viewed in bright light or under a magnifying glass.
It is also worth noting that sapphires are rare stones; you will not see them in any store and, as a rule, their presence in the store and sale are supported by relevant documents. So before purchasing, you should check whether the store has such papers.

How to care for sapphire?

Sapphire is a very hard stone, but requires careful handling, like any other precious minerals.

Cleaning is always done with a soft cloth. This is done not so much to save the stone from scratches (this will not happen with real sapphire), but to remove as much dirt as possible - soft fabric has greater adhesion to the surface. After cleaning the stone, it is washed under running water and laid to dry.
To refresh the stone and restore its shine after long-term storage, you can use a solution of ammonia (5 ml/200 g of water). An alternative could be a saline or soda solution.
It is not recommended to heat sapphire too much. It will not lose color, but it may change it, and sometimes this significantly reduces the cost.

VIDEO - Ruby and Sapphire gemstones

What color a sapphire will depend on the impurities included in its composition. If it contains manganese, the color will be pink. With a high nickel content, the color will turn yellow, iron will give a brown tint. And the presence of magnesium or cobalt will provide a green color. Surprisingly, now you can find about two thousand different varieties.

Using such a property as thermal conductivity, specialists managed to achieve more saturated colors by heating the stones to 1300-1400C°. And even an opaque sapphire acquired a very attractive appearance. But if you expose the material to X-rays, it will become completely colorless.

Distribution and use

What kind of sapphires there are depends on where their deposit is located:

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In jewelry, the purity of sapphire and its transparency are very important. But smoky sapphire, opaque or darkened samples are often used to make jewelry. The price of such products is much lower than if they were replaced by high quality stones. However, the use of the gemstone is not limited to this:

It is actively used in various fields of medicine. Crystals are used to produce instruments for ophthalmic operations, and they are used to create eye lenses. They are indispensable in the manufacture of joint implants and braces in the dental field.
Sapphire is also used in the aviation industry and instrument making. The properties of the stone make it possible to use it in the manufacture of especially strong glass and for various microcircuits.
A mineral with thermal insulation properties is indispensable both in industry and in construction.

But, despite such widespread use in various fields, sapphire is, first of all, an unusually beautiful stone, the colors of which are striking in their palette.

Variety of colors

When we hear this name, we immediately imagine a blue precious sapphire. Stones of any other colors are usually called fancy. It is impossible to take your eyes off these shiny and iridescent crystals.

Blue sapphire

Data-lazy-type="image" data-src="https://karatto.ru/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/sapfir-2.jpg" alt=" blue sapphire" width="230" height="205">!} Classic blue sapphire is very rare. The color can vary from soft blue to deep blue. If other shades make up more than 15%, then such a sample is already considered fantasy. The more iron or titanium impurities it contains, the more active the color will be. Cornflower blue pebbles are considered the most luxurious. But if the concentration of impurities is too high, the “lightness” is lost, and a stone that is too dark is much cheaper.

Yellow sapphire

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The yellow mineral, which is also quite rare, is also considered very valuable. Its color can be transparent and barely yellow, but sometimes bright amber specimens are also found. A rare and very impressive stone is a stone that combines shades of orange and pink. In the east, it is valued for its magical properties and is called padparadscha, or lotus flower.

Black sapphire

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Black sapphire, iridescent and shiny, looks very original and unusual. Most often, such a stone, opaque (or translucent), is used for products in a simple style. The largest known (more than 700 carats) is the “Black Star of Queensland”. The complete opposite of it is a stone in which there are no impurities. White sapphire can even be confused with a diamond.

Blue and pink sapphires

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.jpg" alt="pink sapphire" width="180" height="154">!}
Blue and pink sapphires are considered expensive and rare. Pink stones are mined in Madagascar and Sri Lanka, and blue stones are mined in India. These precious crystals look gorgeous in jewelry, shimmering with their facets. Purple sapphire is called oriental amethyst.

Star sapphire

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One of the most amazing is the star sapphire, which can be seen as a star when hit by a ray of light. This effect, asterism, is possible due to inclusions of rutile.

Sapphire also comes in varieties made from synthetic material, which is more fragile. Jewelry with such crystals is cheaper, although at first glance it is difficult to determine whether the corundum in front of you is real. An artificial sample will be absolutely transparent and will change its tint to greenish under ultraviolet rays, while the real one will have small inclusions and will only become brighter under X-ray irradiation.

Healing effects on the body

Since ancient times, healers knew that corundums had strong healing properties and used them to relieve patients from various health problems. Modern lipotherapists also confirm that this mineral has beneficial effects. Its medicinal properties are as follows:

positive effect on the functioning of the heart and blood vessels;
noticeable effect in the treatment of various skin diseases;
relieving headaches and pain due to otitis media;
improving the condition of patients with asthma and diabetes;
relief of symptoms of urolithiasis;
solving "women's" problems.

Data-lazy-type="image" data-src="https://karatto.ru/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/sinii-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="50" height=" 52"> Royal sapphire (blue stone) helps with heart ailments. It will relieve pain and inflammation. And if you put it in water for a while, it will also acquire beneficial properties. Such a talisman will help a woman give birth to a child.

Jpg" alt="" width="50" height="52"> If you feel that you are quickly getting tired and exhausted, then you should definitely get a talisman with a yellow stone. You will strengthen your immune system, restore your tone and become better able to cope with stress. You can completely forget about what depression is.

Jpg" alt="" width="50" height="52"> .jpg" alt="" width="50" height="52"> White and black sapphire will help you gain self-confidence and focus only on the important moments.

Jpg" alt="" width="50" height="52"> Pink sapphire will be an excellent companion for those people who are too susceptible to emotions. It will help restore mental balance and give self-confidence and determination.

Jpg" alt="" width="50" height="52"> Chlorosapphire is green corundum, indispensable for eye problems. This mineral can also solve your sleep problems.

Only natural stones have such healing powers. Their effect will become even more noticeable if they are framed in silver.

The magic of corundum

The meaning of the stone also has truly magical aspects. Set with gold, it transfers its energy to a person, helping to make important decisions, adding prudence and sanity. The mineral helps to find harmony with oneself and gain insight. Sapphire exhibits magical properties in different ways, depending on the color of the stone.

Star stones are considered very powerful talismans. With their help, a person can develop his intuitive abilities, which will help him clearly distinguish truth from lies. You will gain clairvoyance and you will be able to predict further developments. A cornflower blue sapphire with an asterism will bring good luck, provide an opportunity to deal with love experiences, and impart knowledge and wisdom.

Jpg" alt="" width="50" height="52"> A light yellow sapphire will become a powerful amulet that will protect its owner from damage and any other negative influence from the outside. You will stop feeling fear and anxiety, and understanding and well-being will return to your family. It will give inspiration to creative people, and for those who want to get closer to the world of magic, it will open up the opportunity to communicate with cosmic matters. White crystal also has similar properties.

Jpg" alt="" width="50" height="52"> Green sapphire will ensure that its owner will not take care only of himself, but will also begin to pay attention to the people around him. Crystals of this color also help to understand dreams. The natural blue mineral will make a person more open and decisive. And in magical terms it will contribute to the development of special abilities.

Jpg" alt="" width="50" height="52"> Black sapphire, a talisman that is the most powerful of all, will faithfully guard your peace, protecting you from any damage and negativity from enemies.

Compatibility with zodiac signs

The description of the stone and its properties make it possible to answer the question of who is suitable for sapphire. It reveals hidden abilities, instills confidence and helps to comprehend a lot of knowledge. However, its effect also depends on the zodiac sign.

.jpg" alt="Sagittarius" width="50" height="50"> Если говорить о том, какому знаку зодиака подходит этот камень больше всего, то это, без сомнения, Стрелец. Сапфир поможет женщинам этого знака обрести невероятную привлекательность, а мужчины станут еще увереннее в себе.!}
.jpg" alt="Aries" width="40" height="40"> Слишком эмоциональным и вспыльчивым Овнам природный кристалл поможет унять пыл.!}
.jpg" alt="Scorpio" width="40" height="40"> Скорпионы станут более терпимы к себе и окружающим.!}
.jpg" alt="Aquarius" width="40" height="40"> Водолеи, став уверенными в себе, вызовут доверие.!}
.jpg" alt="" width="40" height="40">.jpg" alt="Gemini" width="40" height="39"> Девам и Близнецам сапфир даст возможность лучше сходиться с людьми и обретать надежных друзей.!}
.jpg" alt="Cancer" width="40" height="30"> А Ракам корунд поможет поддержать здоровье как душевное, так и физическое.!}
.jpg" alt="Capricorn" width="40" height="40"> А вот для Козерога сапфир не подходит совершенно. Люди, рожденные под этим знаком, часто бывают неуступчивыми, и камень только усилит это качество. Кроме того, он может отобрать силы, и человек будет чувствовать себя угнетенным.!}
.jpg" alt="" width="40" height="40"> Taurus, who are prone to laziness and irresponsibility, should not choose sapphire. The mineral will only worsen an already imperfect character.

A precious sapphire, the value of which is very great for a person, should not be carried with you all the time.