SAPPHIRE BIRTHSTONE
Introduction of Sapphire as birthstone?
The Sapphire is also known as September’s birthstone. The main specialty of this stone is its association with royalty. Usually on 5th wedding anniversaries sapphire is considered to be an elegant gift. Today, although sapphire is not as popular as that of diamonds even though sapphires are considered highly valuable and favorable as Centre stones for wedding rings.
Sapphire Birthstone Meaning and History
Derived from Latin word ‘sapphirus’ and Greek word ‘sappherios’ having a common meaning ‘‘BLUE STONE’’. However, another belief exists that the name has another origin from Sanskrit language ‘Sani Priya’ meaning of ‘‘Dear to Saturn.’’ The blue color of sapphire is the symbol of heaven.
Greeks used to wear sapphire for seeking guidance. On the other hand, Buddhists used to wear this stone as it may bring to them self-realization and salvation. According to the Hebrews, Ten Commandments are engraved on the tablets of sapphire gemstone.
In ancient Rome, kings and queens used to believe that wearing sapphires would keep them away from harm and any kind of envy. Christian kings used sapphire stones in ecclesiastical rings for their protection and safety.
Locations of Sapphire Stone/Where it is found? / Sapphire gemstone location around the world
Some of the important locations that are the sources of sapphire are:-
- Sri Lanka: 182-carat Star of Bombay
- Burma (Myanmar): In the western part of Mogok.
- Thailand: Chanthaburi area has been a source of yellow sapphires.
- Cambodia: Pailin province in the western Cambodia near border of Thailand.
- Tanzania: Umba Valley which is the source of orange red Umba sapphires.
- Australia: Eastern Australian state Tasmania. Among the Australian sapphires, teal and parti sapphires are the finest ones
- Madagascar: Sapphires are mined in both the northern and southern provinces. The Millennium Sapphire was discovered in Madagascar.
- Kashmir, being famous for its Kashmir Blue Sapphire.
- India: Eastern state of Orissa (1404.49-carat Star of Adam.)
- United States: North Carolina, Montana.
Classic violet blue sapphires which are also known as Kashmiri Blue Sapphires used to be found in Kashmir region of India in the late 19th and 20th century.
Before 1990s Australia used to be prominent source of Sapphires but after 1990 in the race of Sapphire gemstones Madagascar took the lead.
Sapphire Care and Cleaning
Sapphire generally does not require much maintenance. Most often warm soapy water is good and safe.
Moisturizers and or any kind of harsh and
polishing reagent can be harmful as it may leave a residue behind. If in case there are some harsh spots on the stone, a toothbrush with soft bristles can be efficient in this regard. The high-quality sapphires are usually cleaned via professionals and examined at least once a year.
In case the prongs are loosened, they can be tightened so that the sapphire remains safe. In case the stone looks cloudy, a splash of ammonia or vodka can also be used for soap. Sapphire stones should be stored separately than the others. It is because they can easily get roughened by other stones or can easily roughen other stones in your collection.
Healing Properties of Sapphire Stone
Sapphires usually help you balance your feelings to get rid of stress and anxiety so that you can enjoy a healthy and peaceful life. A smooth and a kind of nourishing energy is found in Sapphires to increase your immunity so that u can fight with stress and anxiety to live a peaceful life of your own will.
For healing properties sapphires are usually categorized as,
- Pink sapphires
- Yellow sapphire
- Purple sapphires
- Green sapphires
- White sapphires
Pink sapphire is usually considered to
lighten any kind of mental burden, depression and brings wisdom and love.
Yellow sapphire is considered to be associated with blessings from Planet Jupiter and could be profitable in any kind of business, academic and in improving the financial status.
Purple sapphires usually symbolize peace and calmness, and it brings peace to both your mind and soul. Wearing this sapphire, a person could feel completely relaxed and calm as it nourishes glands and empowers the veins to ensure their proper functioning in the body.
Green sapphires are basically related to the motivation and moral support that builds up someone’s character as it empowers the act of thinking and comprises love and sympathy for others.
White sapphires add charm to the personality, create love and peace among the relationships and make someone’s personality more attractive towards the others.
How Sapphire Stone Get its colors? What are the other colors of sapphire stones?
In the case of sapphire, the base mineral is Corundum. The color a sapphire gets depends on the percentage of elements such as iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), chromium (Cr), titanium (Ti) and vanadium(V2O5).
The characteristic blue color of sapphire is due to the presence of iron and titanium.
- Iron gives yellow and green shades to the sapphire.
- Vanadium gives pink color to the stone.
- Vanadium is the main coloring agent in violet-colored sapphires.
- Yellow, green, blue, orange and red are the most popular and naturally occurring colors in sapphires.
Another fancy kind of sapphire is parti colored sapphire. These are basically gemstones cut in a way that they allow two or more unique colors of sapphire to become their part. These gemstones are not commonly seen in jewelry stores, rather they could be seen in those having collections of old, new, and unique gemstones.
Sapphire Stone in Jewelry
Sapphires are one of the most valuable and versatile gemstones used in jewelry. They are used in different kinds of jewelry such as rings, earrings and necklaces.
In the case of rings blue sapphires, a generally considered the best choice. They are basically converted into a shape of a center stone in the ring increasing the attraction of the ring.
Since sapphire is the symbol of fidelity and commitment, it is mostly used in engagement rings.
Read More about:
1- From Earth's Depths to Your Eyes: Discovering Raw Sapphire and Ruby Crystals
2- Batakundi Kashmir Sapphire Information
3- Star Phenomena in the Sapphire and Ruby Stones | Star Saphhires Identification
