Sapphires are a variety of the mineral Corundum, or crystalline aluminium oxide. Sapphires come in a wide variety of colours, except red...
Sapphires are a
variety of the mineral Corundum, or crystalline aluminium oxide. Sapphires come
in a wide variety of colours, except red. Sapphire
has been treasured for thousands of years. The ancient Persians believed that
the earth rested on a giant sapphire and its reflection colored the sky.
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The
word sapphire comes from the Latin sapphiru which means blue.
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The
Chemical composition of the Sapphire is Al2O3
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Sapphire
is the birthstone for September.
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Sapphire
has long symbolized truth, sincerity, and faithfulness.
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Sapphires
come in a wide range of colours such as violet, blue, pink, green, orange and
yellow.
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Colour
Change Sapphires are an incredibly rare and highly desirable gemstone. As the
name suggests they change colour dramatically depending on the lighting
conditions.
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Some
Sapphires are colourless and have been used as imitation Diamonds.
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Sapphires
are the gemstone of 5th and 45th Wedding Anniversaries.
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You
can even get Sapphires in greys, black and brown.
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One
of the most valuable varieties of Fancy Sapphire are the Padparadscha. This
gemstone is pinkish-orange in colour and is named after a type of lotus flower.
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Sapphires
are found in many places throughout the world, including Australia, Malawi,
Madagascar, Sri Lanka, and the United States.
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The
most famous royal sapphire today is the engagement ring given by England’s
Prince Charles to Lady Diana Spencer in 1981, and now worn by Princess
Catherine. It features an 18-carat oval blue sapphire surrounded by diamonds.
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The
largest cut and polished sapphire, with a weight of 61,500 carats is the
Millennium Sapphire.
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Most
natural sapphires undergo heat treatment to improve their color and clarity.
This industry-accepted practice results in a permanent enhancement and helps
protect against accidental chipping or breakage.
