Sapphires belong to the mineral family of corundum and are found in weathered alluvial deposits from pyroclastic flows. Most sapphires are blue stones which range from slight blue to a deep indigo coloration. The most valued of the sapphires are the ones that have the medium blue coloration and these are referred to "cornflower blue". Sapphires come in many colors and these are called "fancy sapphires". Only in the case of red, are corundums called rubies.
Chemical Name
Corundum
Chemical Formula
Al2O3
Specific Gravity
3.95 - 4.03
Moh's Hardness
9.0
Color
Blue, yellow, pinks, greens and multi-colorations
Sapphires are found throughout the world but primarily in Australia, United States. Sri Lanka, Thailand, Burma, Kampuchea, Kenya and Tanzania.
The name "sapphire" comes from multiple sources. In Persian, it is "safir" and was associated with Saturn. In Latin "sappheiros" for the Island where sapphires were mined. Ancient folklore is rich with stories related to sapphires. Seen as a stone that changes its hue when the wearer was engaged in impure behavior, it was given to the wearer to help impart fidelity . Also thought to bring inner peace to the soul and spiritual enlightenment.
