Before going through the sapphire properties and meanings, let us first recapitulate that sapphire belongs to the group of four most precious stones in the world, where also we enumerate diamond, ruby, and emerald. Sapphire is a stone of protection and prophetic wisdom, a wondrous crystal that can watch over human destiny. It is believed to promote joy, faith, hope and protection during long journeys. It brings light and peace and opens the mind toward beauty and intuitive understanding. Sapphire stones are thought to be able to maintain the hope needed in order that our deepest desires and dreams will be fulfilled one day. The color of sapphire can be blue, purple, green, yellow, even black and colorless, with characteristic silky glow.
The most beautiful specimens of sapphire stones can be found in Sri Lanka (Ceylon), Tailand, India, Burma, Madagascar, Australia and Brasil. If the sapphire is coming from Burma, they are considered more costly than those from Ceylon or Madagascar. This is due to their glorious blue color. The sapphires from India are the rarest of all, which makes them the most expensive as their deposits in this part of the world have been depleted a long time ago.
The chemistry of sapphire crystals
The chemical formula of sapphire is Al2O3, which means that this stone is practically aluminum oxide, i.e., alumina. Since I believe everybody has seen aluminum metal and knows how it looks like, it is really amazing to me that its oxide can be so magnificently different. The hardness of sapphire stones is amongst the largest in the mineral world, approaching 9 out of the possible 10 on the Mohs scale.
Sapphire is a variation of corundum, which makes its structure almost identical to the structure of ruby. The difference is only in the minute amounts of additional atoms, so called impurities, which incorporate themselves in the corundum matrix and change many properties of sapphire vs. those of ruby. One of the properties is the color of course. The characteristic color of sapphire, the scientists believe, comes from iron and titanium impurities. In this particular case, one electron jumps from the Fe atom to the Ti atom. This electron then is able to absorb the energy of the red end of the spectrum, therefore effectively transmitting the frequencies from the blue - purple end of the ligh spectrum. This is exactly what
gives sapphire the characteristic, well known deep blue color. It is thought that what produces the other colors of sapphire has to with the combination of iron and chromium. In sapphire under magnification one is often able to see threads of rutile, unlike rutile quartz where the rutile needles are visible with naked eye.
The healing and metaphysical properties
Sapphire is able to focus healing energies towards whoever needs them, even without the conscious participation of the recipient, which is a type of manifestation resembling independent inner higher intelligence. According to the tradition, Moses was given the 10 Commandments list on a plate made out of Sapphire, which makes this gemstone one of the most sanctified of all semi precious and precious stones. Due to these obvious Divine characteristic sapphire represents a sort of Divine stone, most desirable by royalty and aristocracy, as well as by highpriests. The British crown is saturated with large blue sapphires, symbols of pure and wise rein. The 423c Logan Sapphire from Sri Lanka is one of the largest known faceted sapphires in the world.
In Vedic astrology blue sapphire is related to Saturn, whereas yellow sapphire has a connection to Jupiter. According to the teaching of this ancient knowledge, the best gemstones to be used for amplifying the beneficial properties of the planets are those which are as pure. transparent and flawless as possible. Indeed such sapphires are hard to find especially if you don't want to pay incredibly high amount of money.
Sapphires are often marked as stones of destiny. They bring mental clarity, and clear perception. It has been argued that they also bring financial independence and even abundance in this area. On the other hand, sapphire is a symbol of the joyful devotion to God. From the point of view of metaphysical science and practice, we should divide the blue sapphires into two categories. The light blue sapphires are those that can be
successfully used to balance the fifth chakra Vishuddha. The dark blue sapphires open the sixth chakra Ajna. So if you plan to use them for meditation, mark this distinction.
Sapphire gemstones symbolize truth, faithfulness and honesty. They increase the ability to communicate, release depressive moods and bring
calmness, mental clarity, clear vision and peace.
In the crystal healing therapy they reduce the throat related problems, calm fever, nose bleeding, help with tuberculosis, and heal burns. Sapphires are also known to regulate the functioning of the endocrine glands, and help with cardiovascular and blood related diseases.
Sapphire should be cleansed every 15 days together with rock crystal and amethyst. Excellent elixirs and baths.
Sapphire gemstones jewelry
When it comes to jewelry made from sapphier, blue sapphire rings and engagement rings are highly popular but also can be very costly. This is probably due to the above mentioned interest of the royal families in the past, and also to the relative rarity of the transparent blue sapphire stones. Most examples of blue sapphire rings are seen alongside with gold or platinum, and readily combined with diamonds. The blue sapphires come in many nuances of the blue color, ranging from very light almost sky like blue up to the deep rich shades. Too deep blue colors are not advisable as they might then easily turn into black, depending on the inter play of external light.
The treatment of sapphires involves heating, which is the most common procedure to better the visual aspect of the gemstones, diffusion which includes chemical treatment and heating at the same time. By diffusion certain elements can be introduced into the sapphire, but this is a tricky procedure as there is no guarantee it will last long enough and that the effect will be homogeneously distributed throughout the sample. The most
widely used treatment is artificial production of sapphires. Corundum is relatively easy to synthesize in laboratory, and since what you would need is aluminum as a start material, the procedure is relatively inexpensive. If you come across a sapphire gem which is incredibly cheap, do not believe it. It is a good indication of synthetic stone. The gemologists and the prominent jewelry stores can detect such artificial samples with high certainty. Have in mind that nearly all sapphires that can be found on the markets are treated one or the other way. It is estimated that less than one percent of the natural sapphires needs no treatment. Those are the most expensive ones.
Sapphires can be very costly. The prices depend upon the treatment involved, and of course, one can imagine that the treated are less expensive. The treatment can involve change in color, saturation of color, clarity and cut. One carat of gemstone quality sapphire, can cost somewhere from several hundreds of dollars up to several thousand. Understandably, the non-gemstone quality sapphires can be purchased for much less, even you can buy a sizable but non transparent sapphire stone for the equivalent of 50 dollars.
Comments:
Nancy Redman says:
01-12-2011
Why does my dark blue almost black sapphire ring look like it has scratches all over it.
sunnyray says:
01-12-2011
If you are talking about the gemstone itself, it is very difficult to scratch a sapphire. If we exclude diamond, there is no other stone that can scratch it, but of course, anything can happen. Stones and crystals possess internal strains within their structure, even if they are hard. In any case, I believe most lapidaries are able to remove the scratches and repair your jewel to its original look and feel.
Rebecca Brown says:
02-09-2011
I got a red-orange color sapphire ring and was wanting more info about the color. Didn't know they came in that color.
sunnyray says:
02-09-2011
As a general rule, every type of Corundum based gem that doesn't possess the deep red color of Ruby is called Sapphire. So you see why
sapphire can also have other colors, not just blue.
Tina says:
03-01-2011
I bought a sapphire stone oval and it is 3.75 Ct. I bought it for 200.00. Now the problem is the stone looks black but when up to light you can see the blue. I was told by jeweller that my stone is worthless. I find this hard to beleive. It is not a synthetic. Can he be lying to me.
told me not worth 35.00 apprasil. your help is appreciated. Tina
sunnyray says:
03-02-2011
Tina, it does not matter if it appears black - as I said in the previous comment your stone is still sapphire. As for the price, I just found these
genuine black sapphire earring studs, roughly
the same carat weight as yours, approximatelly the same price as yours. So, I would say, no need to worry too much.
Ziporah says:
06-04-2011
How do I care for my sapphires? I purchased a necklace, earrings and bracelet with silver settings.
What is a good method of cleaning (handcreams, etc.) them?
sunnyray says:
06-04-2011
Ziporah, thanks for your question. Sapphires do not require any special care. As second hardest stones in the mineral world,
they are very durable. If you insist on cleaning loose sapphire stones, you can use mild soap and water,
or fine jewelry cleaner. However, since your sapphires are embedded in silver, the silvery part
will certainly need cleaning. There is a nice tip for cleaning silver - just use small amounts of toothpaste and a
small toothbrush. Then rinse thouroughly with water - this procedure will also clean the embedded sapphires.
Two times a year should be enough.
Prince says:
05-11-2011
sir ! i have purple sapphire and now i have small sparking on the covering side of ring. is there is problem relating scratch or damaged of sapphire...plz help me about this........heartly thanks for this
Shahzad says:
05-12-2011
I am living in Pakistan and I got a 5ct Sapphire from a local dealer here. He showed me a test to verify the
purity of this stone. He got some kind of analog meter (just like an analog Volt Meter) and when he connected
the pins with stone, the needle stopped on Sapphire word written on meter. Is it possible to judge the purity
of stones from these kind of meters.
Secondly! you mentioned that Sapphire is the second hardest stone after diamond. But my stone got some small
scratches (very small and not the deep ones) and I doubt these scratches are the result of that Meter Test,
when shopkeeper pressed the needles of meter on stone. And my second doubt is that stone was plucked out from
another ring and got these little scratches when someone tried to release it from the ring. I am little worried
as I have spent Rs. 7000 for this stone and may be it's not original.
Would you please tell me if this kind of little scratches may come on this stone?
sunnyray says:
05-12-2011
Hi Shahzad,
I am not a gemologist, so I cannot really comment on the methods that can be used to test the quality of sapphires
or any other type of precious stones.
However, what you describe above definitely does not look like a proper way to test the stone. Maybe some of the
visitors of my site will be able to help you with their expertise on testing sapphires.
In regards to the scratches, sapphire is indeed the second hardest stone. This means, at least in theory, that only diamond
should be able to scratch a sapphire stone. In reality, however, anything can happen. Some internals strains in the
crystal structure could probably also lead to the appearance of cracks.
All in all, the best piece of advice I can provide is to seek professional help of a skilled gemologist. There is really
no other way to tell whether a stone is original or not.
Best regards and many blessings,
anonyap says:
05-13-2011
i want to get my love back so please tell me that sapphire stone will help me or not.my rashi is virgo and
please tell me that can i wear a platinium ring with blue sapphire gemstone or any other combination.
sunny says:
05-13-2011
I don't quite understand your question. Crystals and stones can help us balance our auric field, improve
our health and/or some aspects of our life and character, but what you ask is something only you can do.
It depends solely on what you eventually did to that person and whether she/he is willing to forgive you.
petesqh says:
05-21-2011
can silver cleaner light the color of a sapphire? i got some Hagerty
silver polish spray(which is the best silver cleaner in the world)on my dark navy blue stone.
Now i can see through the stone. is it possible that the silver cleaner lightened the color of my stone?
sunny says:
05-21-2011
Once again, I am not a gemologist and this is only my personal opinion. There is always risk
involved in cleaning gemstone silver jewelry with some chemical substances. Most of the gemstones sold today
are enhanced and treated in one or the other way, introducing additional parameters in the equation. However,
one of the
best silver cleaners, as you say, - the Hagerty silver polish
- should be quite inert and should leave no oily residue.
That is to say, I believe it is not likely to alter the appearance of natural sapphires. Are you sure your
dark blue stone was sapphire in the first place?
abby says:
06-06-2011
my boyfriend bought me a black sapphire ring silver from thailand factory,,,,,the girl said there this is a lucky stone. what kind of lucky bout black sapphire? i saw the c76 in the bootom of sapphire ring,,,what is the meaning of this?
sunny says:
06-06-2011
The black sapphire is actually a very dark blue sapphire. It is a splendid gemstone that in many regards resembles black diamond. As for the meaning of black sapphire, it is considered that it retains all the meanings of sapphire with the addition of its color. Black is a grounding and protective color; it brings confidence, and self-discipline, strength and self-assurance.
As for the c76 mark, it is a question for the jewelry producer. My guess is that it has to do with the type of metal band of your ring, but I cannot say for sure.
matt says:
07-16-2011
Hi I want to purchase a black sapphire cut stone can you tell me approx how much a carrot i
should expect to pay and is it the bigger the stone the more per carrot also is the black colour
from to much titanium or iron or both thanks matt
matt says:
07-16-2011
Refering to my eariler question the size of the black sapphire cut stone I wish to purchase I want in approx 20 Ct I am finding it very difficult to find one thanks Matt
sunny says:
08-08-2011
Hi Matt,
Concerning the color of black sapphire, it is due to both iron and titanium impurities in the corundum matrix. If you
want to purchase loose sapphires, www.gemselect.com seems to
be offering some nice specimens, including black star sapphires of similar ct weight. The price of black sapphires is not as much carat dependant as, for example, is the case
with diamonds.
Raunak says:
08-24-2011
Hi, wish to congratulate authors and people on having such an authentic and highly informative source. Next is my query, I have put on 5ct. Medium blue, transparent sapphire 3 weeks back. Though calm is there but i keep getting a sense as if thinking abilities of mind are being controlled. Can you please advice if this is normal expected behaviour or its asking for it is expecting any change from me?
Regards.
sunny says:
08-26-2011
Raunak, could it be that you are experiencing only increased awareness when you put your sapphire ring on?
Raunak says:
09-04-2011
Thanks Sunny for the response. Well I am not sure how to characterise awareness but I used to feel clogged and restricted thinking, though from readings it was expected to be higher concentration and clear thinking. Not sure about the source or the reason if you could please enlighten
sunny says:
09-07-2011
Raunak, another possibility could be that your medium blue sapphire is provoking some throat chakra issues, instead of affecting the ajna chakra area, which would manifest itself as higher concentration and clearer thinking. The darker blue tones of sapphire better work on the Ajna, whereas the lighter tones are more suitable for cleansing the Vishuddha chakra.
Fredo says:
09-10-2011
I'm looking to purchase a James Avery Adoree Sterling siver Ring with a Blue Sapphire, I wanted to check that it is of fine quality. Any information would be grateful.
sunny says:
09-10-2011
This sapphire ring looks really lovely. However, there’s one thing that makes me wonder. The stone seems to be an
oval faceted lab blue sapphire. It is not clear whether it is a lab-enhanced genuine sapphire stone, or a lab-produced
artificial sapphire. I would try to clear this concern first. If it is a lab enhanced stone, then, well, I guess, almost
all sapphires today are improved that way. If it’s a lab created sapphire, then, it is a man-made sapphire and
you should be aware of that fact prior to purchasing.
ahmad says:
09-25-2011
Sapphire men ring most suitable to wear which arm?
Marge says:
10-21-2011
What a wonderful site you have created! Thank you. Can you tell me what differences there are metaphysically with white sapphire?
sunny says:
10-23-2011
Thanks Marge, I really appreciate it. White Sapphires are perfectly transparent stones. All the colored Sapphire variations
get their color from various impurities present in their crystal structure. In this sense, it is not surprising that
white sapphire activates the topmost crown chakra. This energy center connects us with the most pure Divine planes of existence.
SUNANDIT says:
10-28-2011
I've purchased a dark blue sapphire (3.76C) which is opaque on light.I want to know whether it can be used as ring
for astrological purpose. I've been recommended to wear neelam for saturn. Plz advice.
sunny says:
10-04-2011
Why wouldn't you use it for astrological purposes, Sunandit? Sure, it is always better to have transparent stones,
as they are thought to be more potent, but your sapphire can equally well do the job.
Ali says:
11-13-2011
Hello,
first I would like to thank you, I'm one of those interested in gemstones due to relegion and some other
things, anyways, I wanted to ask about some good books I can read about gems, and if possible some good sites
that sells and sends gemstones to other countries, and I want to ask about the diffrence between a blue sapphire
and a black one, I do own a black sapphire so I would like to know the diffrence, in each and every area if possible,
thanks again...
sunny says:
11-15-2011
Hello Ali,
thanks for your comment. There are many good books on gems and crystals, but I would not like to favor any of them.
Actually, we are currently preparing a comprehensive guide (ebook) into using crystals for healing and meditation, so stay tuned for
any new developments. As for purchasing crystals and stones, Amazon is always a good option, but on the other hand,
they indeed have a limited list of countries where they ship their products.
pride says:
11-16-2011
I love sapphire - its my birthstone, they are so awesome.
DM says:
11-17-2011
I have a 5 1/2 carat medium dark sapphire ring surrounded by diamonds. I have had it 3 weeks. The stone seems to be
getting darker and darker until now, it is not transparent. I am cleaning it all the time with ultrasonic and /or
soap and water.
Any suggestions to lighten it back to how it was, and why that would happen?
vos says:
11-18-2011
the more the transparent and clear the higher the price
Harold says:
01-04-2012
They say that sapphire stones are made by a high temperature of heat is this true?
sunny says:
01-05-2012
In Nature, sapphires are formed deep inside Earth's crust, where high temperatures and high pressures are present. It takes time
for the sapphire to crystallize from its initial molten conditions. The purest and most perfect sapphires (and rubies) are created
by recrystallization during the metamorphic processes of igneous rocks.
georgia says:
01-18-2012
The red orange sapphire the lady has is a paradachea sapphire. I have one too they are beautiful and the name means lotus flower.
It is not the orange sapphire variety because in the red deep inside you will see the orange paradachea has two colours in the one stone.
