All about sapphires

When we hear about sapphire, the majority appears to be a large blue stone, the edges of which with incredible brilliance shimmer in the sun. However, sapphire can be yellow, and green, and pink, and colorless. Such rare specimens are found in nature: she took care of diversity, and not the hand of a jeweler. And although the colors of the mineral may vary, the formula of the stone is the same, only the impurities in it differ.

It is no coincidence that this jewelry king, as sapphire is sometimes called, was awarded this name. It is known that he adorned the crown of the Russian Empire; he also shows off on the crown of the British monarchs. It is not for nothing that royal people prefer sapphires to many stones: for example, in photographs you can often see Princess Kate Middleton with a large gem on her finger (albeit also in a diamond setting). This ring was once worn by Lady Dee, known for her exquisite taste.

Sapphires are stones worthy to become heroes of series and books, because often their well-known people wore them called stones by their names. They were often stolen, but, surprisingly, the jewel, the value of which is impressive, was returned by its owner. They say that the mineral even after the sale does not cease communication with its former owners.

Sapphire looks so that there are no questions left: it deserves to be on a par with diamonds. And in terms of price, too. It is believed that in the crown of Cleopatra there were also sapphires.It is all the more interesting because they have been worshiped for many centuries.

Here are some interesting stories about him that have come down to our times.

• In India, this gem is considered a sign of selfless friendship and good deeds, the blue gem is a vehicle to eternity. No wonder it was sapphire that tried to encrust cups and other containers for drinking: it was believed that he could clean any water.
• Ancient people thought that muddy sapphires with defects are damned, because the amulets did not use them.
• Jews consider the mineral a symbol of justice - the last step of the staircase leading to heaven is made of this stone.
• In Egypt and Rome, the theme of justice associated with sapphire was also seen - it was not for nothing that stones were considered symbols of justice. Those who seek justice should wear jewelry with this stone. It is interesting that the tradition of giving sapphires to lawyers has not completely gone down in history: many representatives of this profession are aware of such an association and try to wear sapphires for professional success.

For several centuries, these stones were also worn by worshipers. They considered sapphire a symbol of calm, hope, good thoughts and the same highest justice. Such a description gives the stone positive energy, which many want to nourish.

Another name for sapphire, which is often used by mineralogists, is corundum. In its composition it is alumina, aluminum oxide. It is interesting that ruby ​​is also corundum, but nevertheless it is used to isolate it in another group. If we are talking about pure corundum, then it will be a colorless mineral. But when impurities of chromium, iron, manganese, and titanium are found in it, it becomes clear why the stone comes in different shades. It is curious that the stone in a sense is a chameleon: it “knows how” to change colors when heated.

If corundum was pale violet or yellow, heating discolored it, and if it was dark violet, close to cornflower blue, heating made it pink.

Description of sapphire species.

• Navy blue. This is the most common option. In the jewelry industry, blue shades of sapphire without intersperses are especially in demand. They are expensive, since they are very rare. The cut also increases the price; thanks to it, just the blue stone becomes saturated with dark blue. Dark blue stones, according to esotericists, bring good luck and wealth.
• Blue. It is considered the most valuable. In India there is a large deposit of these stones. It is believed that blue sapphire can increase a person’s self-esteem, it should be worn by those who need to push their ideas forward. They also believe that this stone helps a person in clairvoyance.
• Cabochon. This emerald, which is also corundum, is considered a close relative of blue sapphire. Unfortunately, these stones are often faked.

These are not all sapphire varieties. There is also pink, a very rare stone, which has the properties, like a magnet, to attract into a person’s life what he wants. But there is a danger: an incorrect formulation of desires leads to unexpected consequences. There is also black sapphire, which is considered a powerful amulet, which can lead out of deep depression. White sapphire, very reminiscent of a diamond, is called a symbol of pure love, because often lovers give it to each other. Green sapphire helps get rid of vision problems.

One cannot fail to mention such a famous sapphire as the millennium. It is also called sapphire of the millennium. A stone costs about 180 million dollars, and its length is 28 cm. Sapphire was found about 20 years ago in Madagascar. Until it was processed, it weighed about 90 thousand carats. On a stone craftsmen carved historical figures.

The geography of sapphire deposits is not so wide. And you need to understand that not all sapphires have jewelry quality.The largest natural sapphire deposit is located in Kashmir, India. The stones found there have a special, delicate cornflower blue color. Sometimes such a stone is called sleepy, smoky, as if surrounded by a warm ceiling.

Since sapphire deposits are located very high in nature, the technology for its extraction is a little gone from the methods that were used in the 19th century. Workers still use hand tools, crushing in search of stone is a huge effort. Since work in this field has been going on for a very long time, its reserves are running out.

Sapphires mined in Burma do not have the same light, brightness, they are darker. But sapphires from Sri Lanka are more faded compared to Kashmiri. But Sri Lanka has its own values, which are hunted by those who know a lot about stones: pink-orange (paparaja) sapphires, and even star-shaped varieties of stone can be found only here. These deposits have been known since the time of Christ. And here the stones continue to be mined manually.

In Thailand, Siamese sapphires are mined. For the extraction of stones, this country is one of the world leaders. Gemstone connoisseurs have probably heard of “Jewels of the Jungle” - this is a famous sapphire, weighing 958 carats, it is considered the brightest and purest.

I must say that the division of sapphires is also relative to the naturalness of the stone. There are natural sapphires, and there are synthetic sapphires. In the middle of the last century, for the first time, scientists synthesized sapphire, and since then such a business has taken on a large scale. In artificial stones, there are no natural inclusions. But only a specialist can recognize the differences. But a huge number of buyers who purchase artificial sapphire under the guise of natural, expect to get its natural properties together with a stone.

But is it possible to synthesize these properties? In full, of course not.

Characteristics of sapphire in the physico-chemical aspect:

• class - oxides;
• density - 4 g / cm3;
• hardness - 9 points on the Mohs scale;
• fragility - refers to non-fragile stones;
• transparency - from transparent to opaque;
• color - blue, cyan, yellow, violet, orange.

The first and main place of application of the stone is the jewelry industry. Not only products of incredible beauty and cost are decorated with sapphires, but ordinary rings, earrings, and brooches made of precious stones (but accessible to the middle-income buyer) can also be decorated with sapphires. Also, the physicochemical properties of the stone allow its use in medicine. For example, an artificial lens for a visual analyzer can be made of sapphire. Braces for teeth are also sometimes decorated with this gem. Sapphires are also used in articular implants.

Glass can be made of stone of special strength, which is often used in the aviation missile industry. Instrument-making is also not without the use of precious stones - in particular, substrates for microcircuits are made from sapphire. Maybe you did not know that emery is nothing but sapphire chips, and that the bearings in the watch are also sapphires.

If you heard such a name as “stone of heaven”, then it probably refers to sapphire. In a number of cultures, it is a symbol of justice, accuracy, justice, truth and a good start. It was not for nothing that the clergy not only wore it, but also used to decorate important parts of the temple. It was believed that the mineral allows a person to come to God, to feel the divine principle, to merge with it.

Since sapphires, speaking in the aspect of esotericism, have the ability to pass energy through themselves with its subsequent purification, they are often used in meditation. The stone has a strong, but at the same time calm energy. They say sapphire is able to pacify passions. It can be recommended to people who are in mental turmoil, chaos, unable to make an important life decision.

Cases are described when sapphires were advised to be worn by women cheating on husbands. And these ladies refused vicious passion, pacified it, returned to the family and gained peace of mind.

What are the magical properties of the stone are described in more detail in the literature.

• The symbol of power. It is believed that this stone rightly, wisely and very accurately places roles. And if sapphire is worthy of a person, it helps him to get to power and be useful at this height. It is as if energizing one who is really worthy to rule. But if an unjust, greedy person craves for this power, a stone will reduce the supply of his mental strength.
• Symbol of truth. If a person has guesses that he is being deceived, he should buy a small jewelry with sapphire - it seems to raise the level of intuition, and the answers to the questions come themselves.
• Enhances masculinity. Despite the fact that recognized beauties preferred sapphires, this stone can not be called purely female. If a man wears it with due respect (and the energy of stones exists, you believe it or not), he will help him use his masculinity correctly.
• Strengthens self-confidence, improves mood. This also intersects with the recommendations to wear stones for people who are depressed, experiencing a whole series of stresses. If such a period has come in your life, jewelry with sapphires, braces or even a watch with details from this stone can return interest in life, adjust to the desired energy flow.
• Hints of danger. And this amazing property was also noted at the stone - probably, it can be associated with increased intuition, which to some extent provides the wearing of products with sapphires.
• Protects from envy and the negative effects of envy. The stone is able to clean the energy field around a person. Sometimes sapphire rings were worn by girls who had just become engaged: in this way they protected themselves from the words and gossip of envious people.
• Helps to understand yourself. This is indirectly evidenced by the association of the stone with wisdom - those who wear it for a long time notice: their views, judgments have become deeper, they managed to get rid of superficial assessments, from the ability to condemn and deny. They noticed that they had ceased to get excited, enter into conflicts, and make hasty decisions.
• Promotes the accumulation of internal energy. If a period of accumulation of forces has come for a person, focusing on himself, if this is a “before the jerk” stage, sapphire can help. For this reason, a pendant with sapphire is often presented to girls who graduate from school and the entire final class is preparing for admission.

Of course, there are a huge number of skeptics who doubt that some stones can affect a person, his life and behavior. But one can argue with them: all living things are somehow capable of acting on living things. Few people deny that atmospheric pressure affects a person’s vascular pressure, that the weather affects both our mood and well-being, and just physically makes a person adjust to it. So stones are a part of nature that has physicochemical properties, which means it enters into some relations with the living creature that this stone wears.

But it is also appropriate to talk about the placebo effect: it can work in two directions. If you firmly believe that the stone gives strength, makes you smarter and fairer, some settings unwittingly help you get closer to your own ideal.

Sapphires are specially grown in the laboratory to use the stone in medicine. For example, it is considered a powerful stimulator of the normal functioning of the cardiovascular system. It also helps the stone cleanse the skin, helps get rid of acne. Other medicinal properties of sapphire:

• relieves urinary tract ailments;
• Helps stabilize diabetes
• helps restore hearing;
• reduces the incidence of headaches;
• improves eyesight;
• helps in rehabilitation after vascular diseases (hypertensive crises, strokes);
• helps to overcome depression;
• successfully used in the treatment of insomnia.

Many of these statements came to us from ancient treatises and artifacts of past centuries. Today, the strength of a person’s faith in the healing properties of stone, of course, is not so great. And with current evidence-based medicine, one cannot rely on stones, minerals in the treatment of serious ailments. But as an additional source of strength, regenerative energy, as a personal materialistic embodiment and faith in recovery, sapphire can be used. Sometimes a person is saved, inspired, things that are not directly considered a treatment give him strength.

Sapphire is often offered to be worn by people in creative professions. After all, the energy of the stone helps to reveal talent, to realize abilities. It is considered that sapphire develops creativity: it helps people to make innovative decisions. Therefore, if you see sapphire jewelry on top managers, famous motivational speakers, large businessmen, perhaps their choice of jewelry is not accidental.

Sometimes sapphire products are given to people who have experienced a difficult period in life, lost, squandered, cannot find themselves again. A stone can become a conductor to a new life: after a divorce, a woman can become more confident, distracted from disturbing thoughts. A man who has moved to a new place where he knows no one, where everything has to start from scratch, sapphire can help find strength to start.

Stone and zodiac signs:

• Aries sapphire helps to become less hot-tempered, calm unnecessary emotions;
• Virgo sapphire will help in social communications - sometimes they are too presumptuous in communication, because of which others do not always correctly interpret their words, and so sapphire helps to be more precise in communication;
• Gemini acquiring sapphire can count on a stone to attract people who can become true friends;
• Sapphire will add thoughtfulness to fish;
• Scales worn by sapphire jewelry indicate that their insight has increased;
• Lions acquiring sapphires do this in the hope of finding peace of mind, as well as increasing their performance;
• Cancers note that stone has a good effect on the nervous system;
• Taurus should be more careful with jewelry - if you are lazy, a stone can “bring you to clean water” without your desire;
• Sapphire is not very suitable for Capricorn - it can take vitality.

Sagittarius and Aquarius stone is the most suitable. Moreover, it is the Sagittarius men who should pay attention to sapphire - it helps them master the minds. Whether the stone is so important for a person, everyone will decide for himself. But remember, centuries-old observations are often very accurate and not without common sense.

If we talk exclusively about aesthetic compatibility, then really, we can distinguish certain types that sapphire goes with. If a woman is slim, miniature, large stones will not suit her. If the lady has a large face, she should not choose round stones: square and triangular are preferable. Jewelry paths where sapphires alternate with diamonds (it is possible with cubic zirconias) also look elegant, modern, fresh. For owners of a beautiful thin neck, stud earrings with sapphires are ideal. Finally, pay attention to star examples - how jewelry with actress sapphires, singers, and royal people wear jewelry.

Most of the stones that you see on sale are synthetics. But this is not fake! Synthetic sapphire differs from its natural origin: the first is made in laboratories by all standards, the second is found in nature. The seller must honestly declare that he is selling you: natural stone or synthetic. You have the right to require a certificate, because the goods are expensive. It is very difficult to distinguish one from the other.

On sale, duplets, or even triplets, are often found. So called thin plates made of natural stone, but glued to the base of cheaper material. And the manufacturer usually closes the edge with a massive frame. It is not so difficult to determine such a fake - if you look at the stone under a magnifying glass, everything becomes visible. The increase makes it possible to notice where the borders of the gluing pass.

Three ways to identify a fake.

• Only sapphire is the only diamond that is stronger in strength, because the stone is not afraid of scratches. If you scratch the surface of sapphire with a needle, nothing will happen to it. Of course, it is difficult to imagine the circumstances in which this verification is possible. But if the seller insists that it is a natural sapphire, he should be ready for it.
• Sapphire has sharp, fairly clear edges, so it will leave a scratch on the glass.
• Under the sun, natural sapphire will leave exclusively white highlights, but if the stone is artificial, the reflections will be greenish.

Finally, often the price itself makes you think. You do not buy a rare rough stone. If you are told that you have natural sapphire and the price is low, this is very likely an imitation. Remember: sapphire is comparable to diamond at a price.

The most expensive sapphire is the one whose color can be called cornflower blue; this color is really very beautiful, clean. You can admire such a product for a long time. Its price is from 300 to 1000 dollars per carat. The yellow mineral, which is also considered elegant, rare, costs about $ 120 per carat. The final cost of the goods that you see on the counter of the jewelry store includes its weight, processing method, the purity of the stone and its transparency, the deposit and the metal used for cutting.

The energy of stones affects the human biofield in different ways. Some are sure: if one stone protects from the evil eye, and the second helps to become more self-confident, you can safely wear them together, and preferably on one hand. But this is a mistake: many stones do not fit together. One of the most incompatible combinations is sapphire and pearl. Minerals of different elements, in principle, cannot be in good compatibility; wear all incompatible stones separately.

For example, water and air are elements that lead to adverse vibrations in the human biofield. This, experts say, weakens the human immune system.

What sapphire is combined with:

• agate;
• amethyst;
• alabaster;
• cornelian;
• lapis lazuli;
• emerald;
• turquoise.

Of course, blue and blue sapphire are considered a harmonious combination.Blue sapphire, in principle, goes well with dark shades of stone. It is interesting that a sapphire ring will not in any case have a favorable effect on a person: its strong properties are revealed only if the owner of the ring wears it on the ring finger of any hand. This use of jewelry helps to find your personal happiness and preserve what you already have.

In order for the stone to serve you for many years and remain just as beautiful, you need to take good care of it. Only in this way can jewelry be made family-friendly. Cleaning the jewelry is required at least once a month. Of course, wiping it every day is a waste of time. But once a month, take a few minutes to care for sapphire.

Nothing special will be needed: enough warm water and natural soap to create a cleaning soap solution. Dip the whole decoration in this water, hold it for several minutes. If you got a heavily contaminated product, you can add ammonia to the water. One hour is enough in such a powerful and useful solution for the stone to clear: after a healing bath, wash it under running water. It is better to dry it with a soft cloth.

Not used for stone cleaning:

• aggressive agents (with chlorine and acid in the composition);
• a toothbrush and toothpaste (who exactly clean silver, do not do this with respect to sapphire).

Yes, the gem is not afraid of scratches, but too aggressive and frequent cleaning slowly takes away its attractive aesthetic properties. Stone should be stored in a case in a darkened place. Under the open rays of the sun, holding a stone for a long time is not worth it.

Remembering the wise king Solomon, many want to solve the riddle of his insight and ability to make strategically correct decisions. The wisest ruler had a sapphire seal. And on his throne, too, there was a crown place for a rare stone. Rings with a precious inset were owned by Alexander the Great and Mary Stuart. For Boris Godunov, the stone served as a sacred talisman.

If corundum is intended as a gift, remember that A sapphire wedding is a marriage that lasts 45 years. But it is not necessary to wait for such a venerable date - a gift will suit young girls, middle-aged women, and men who are attentive to their appearance and believe in the power of stones. Do not be guided only by the fashion for stones themselves: everyone should have their own preference, their own information, capable of connecting you and the stone.

See how the sapphire differs from emerald in the next video.