Where are sapphires mined: deposits, varieties, famous sapphires

The quality and appearance of sapphire, like any precious stone, depends on the deposit. Each sapphire mine produces stones with their own characteristics. Although we should not forget that in any deposit stones of different quality are mined. Therefore, a top quality sapphire from Ceylon will sell for more than an average Kashmiri specimen.

When gemstone experts see a piece of jewelry, they can usually guess where it was removed. Where are the best sapphires on the planet mined?

Sapphire: description, history of origin

Sapphire has a crystalline shape and a glass-like luster. Corundums have the highest cost compared to other varieties of the mineral. They are considered the most famous and expensive. There are crystals of different colors, in the bulk you can find blue and light blue stones, sometimes you can find pink and yellow, purple and transparent ones.

Sapphire instantly captivated people immediately after its discovery. It is believed that it was first found in Asia by local residents.

In India there is a belief that such minerals give eternal existence to a person. One sage created an elixir, which kept the recipe secret and did not allow ordinary mortals to try the liquid on themselves. As a result, the elixir turned into a fossil.

Blue corundum is often called the monarch stone, because it used to enjoy great respect in all countries of the world and among rulers, and was considered a symbol of power and strength. Even King Solomon wore a ring with this crystal.

Helpful information

The name of sapphire cannot be unambiguous for stone specialists and jewelers. In science, only blue corundums are called sapphires. Well, jewelers consider almost all multi-colored minerals, except red, to be sapphires.

The name of the gem, according to some sources, came from an ancient language. The Greeks, Egyptians and Jews believed that the name referred specifically to lapis lazuli, and not to corundum. Many called the stone a particle of heaven or an azure yacht.

"Saint Edward", 167 carats

One of the two famous sapphires that adorn the crown of the British Empire. In the 11th century, it was inserted untreated into the ring of King Edward, who bore the nickname Confessor. There is a legend that the king was buried with this ring, but when the body was reburied, those present noticed that the king’s hands remained incorrupt. This phenomenon was attributed to the presence of a ring with a dark blue stone on his hand. Suspecting the stone had some healing power, it was sent to Westminster Abbey, after which it was processed into jewelry and, ultimately, included in the decoration of the British crown.

Place of Birth

Sapphire deposits are located in many parts of the planet, the most famous of them are:

1. Kashmiri minerals are considered the most valuable in jewelry; they have a bright and original hue. The sapphire deposit appeared at the end of the nineteenth century due to a landslide in the mountains. Mining was carried out quite intensively for 10 years.
2. Today, very active sapphire mining occurs in Thailand and Australia. The most ancient deposits are considered to be the territories of Sri Lanka, Russia, India and Madagascar. Such specimens have a very diverse range of colors.
3. Ceylon is famous for the extraction of minerals of all possible shades, and the black variety is also found in this area.
4. Sapphire mining currently occurs in Cambodia in the Pailin province. The crystals look very rich and clear. They have a high cost.

In addition to those described above, there are other deposits of gems; they are located throughout the planet.

Gray Monk

This is how astrologers dubbed gray sapphire. This opaque, extremely strong corundum (it is only slightly inferior in strength to original diamond, which can only slightly scratch corundum) is a powerful amulet.

It does not shine, but it contains the power of the genies, who were laid to rest in the once transparent stone by the great Biblical king and magician Solomon. The king imprisoned them in a certain vessel or ring.

Legends say that soon the stone in the magical seal ring of the Biblical king-magician turned into black sapphire. Solomon understood what a sapphire of such a gloomy color meant and to whom it was suitable.

Since then, magicians also know that green sapphires conceal the tiger eyes of genies.

Varieties of sapphire

There are a huge number of types of crystals that can be classified as jewelry of the first category. Corundums of blue and deep shade have the greatest value. Other minerals are also popular; they are divided into several types:

• leucosapphire is transparent and has no color;
• padparadscha has a pale pink or orange color; such specimens can even be compared in price to diamonds;
• chlorosapphire has a bright green color, its appearance strongly resembles emeralds;
• the purple specimen bears the same name due to its rich color;
• star-shaped specimens are considered quite rare; inside them there are small crystals with six sides that look like stars.

Sapphires are considered quite famous, but among them there are other types:

• ruby is distinguished by its transparency and reddish color, it can be pale or rich; in jewelry, such crystals are very expensive;

• emery combines magnetite and corundum; it can be either natural or artificially created.

All species have unique characteristics and healing powers.

"Raspoli", 135 carats

The Ruspoli sapphire is still uncut and belongs to the collection of the Paris Botanical Garden (Jardin des Plantes). The stone received its name in honor of the Ruspoli family - wealthy Romans, one of the many owners of sapphire. After changing several owners, the stone finally fell into the hands of a jeweler, who sold it to the Botanical Garden Museum. The Ruspoli sapphire has a brown tint, but is most notable for the fact that it has absolutely no flaws - and for natural sapphires this quality is simply unique.

Properties of sapphire

Blue crystals have various healing and magical properties, which became known in ancient times. Healers advise wearing it as a talisman against certain diseases, including:

• asthma;
• heart;
• skin and integument;
• kidneys;
• diabetes;
• genitals;
• headache;
• mental disorders;
• inflammatory processes.

Any variety of minerals can cope with such ailments, but crystals should also be used in accordance with the color scheme.

Important information

Corundum, regardless of color, is a female stone; it can help in the treatment of various diseases of the genital organs, allowing the birth of healthy offspring.

Sapphire mining is also considered widespread due to the fact that the mineral gives longevity and helps maintain sanity even in old age.

"Lone Star", 9719 carats

The largest "star" sapphire - that is, having the effect of asterism. Found in June 1989 by Harold Roper from North Carolina. Harold had been interested in precious stones since childhood, so he was doubly happy to receive such a gift from fate. The stone was immediately taken to London, where it was cut and polished, after which it received the name “Lone Star”. Harold Roper did not want to part with the find and is the sole and permanent owner of the sapphire.

Jewelry with stone

Jewelry with sapphires can be high-end or have an acceptable price for consumers. The most expensive setting for jewelry is platinum; such jewelry can only be made to order. Their price reaches even tens of thousands of dollars.

Jewelry available to consumers is made in silver or gold frames. The inserts can be artificial stones or noble minerals.

Jewelry can be quite versatile due to the different shades and settings. Various cufflinks, rings and rings, tie pins are usually considered an exclusively male prerogative.

Who suits the name

Sapphire is an excellent assistant to women in love affairs with names such as:

1. Lyudmila. Adds compassion, wisdom, flexibility, and the ability to be compassionate.
2. Rose – modesty, restraint, chastity, hope and love.

Male names:

1. Egor, to give the favor of fate, wisdom.
2. Gregory to attract friends, protect against temptation, get rid of internal contradictions.
3. Kirill as a symbol of justice, modesty, fidelity.
4. Stepan, for whom the mineral will become self-knowledge, the search for goals in life, overcoming laziness and deception.

The most famous sapphires

There are the most famous minerals that are well known all over the world:

• One day I came across the largest specimen, which was later called the Star of India. It weighs 536 carats.
• The 116-carat Midnight Star is now kept in the American History Museum.
• The Asian star is in Washington at the institute, weighing 330 carats.
• Stuart and St. Edward are kept in London in the Queen's Treasury of Britain.
• Russia also possesses a mineral weighing 200 carats.

Modern people know very well that Princess Diana received a sapphire ring for her engagement; today it adorns the hand of her son’s wife. The ring looks quite ordinary, it does not attract too much attention, because the modest princess personally chose it for herself. However, this decoration sets an example of stylish jewelry and is extremely popular.

Jewelry with precious crystal has always been highly valued. According to beliefs and legends, they symbolized wisdom, purity of thoughts, chastity and fidelity. For a long time, the crystal was considered the most expensive among all others. In Rome, only priests in the temple had the right to wear it; in other countries, only clergy were allowed to use it. Even Cleopatra wore this decoration on her crown.

Rubies and spinels

Rubies and spinels are very similar in appearance, so historically, these stones were often confused. Many rubies known from antiquity actually turned out to be noble spinels. The largest true high-grade ruby ​​is the Prince's Ruby .
The gem belonged to Shah Jehan, who built the Taj Mahal. There are inscriptions in Arabic script on the edges. The ruby's exact path through history is unknown, but it is now on display in a California museum.

The Timur Ruby that adorns the Queen of England's necklace is actually a ruby ​​spinel. The first owner of the gem was Tamerlane, and the stone was named after him. It changed owners and wandered from country to country. In the 17th century, Timur's ruby ​​was placed in the Peacock Throne of Shah Jehan (ruler of India). After English colonization, the mineral became the property of the royal family. It is set into a gold necklace along with other spinels. Like many great stones, Timur's ruby ​​is engraved with the names of its previous owners.

The Caesar Ruby has a deep crimson color and is cut into a grape shape. The top of the stone is crowned with gold leaves with green enamel. Its weight is 255 carats. The stone was presented to Catherine II by the Swedish king Gustav III. Kabbalistic books say that the gem gives its owner the gift of seeing the whole essence of things and revealing the secrets of the universe. Over its history, the mineral has been in the hands of Cleopatra, Caesar and many Western kings. Russian scientists who examined the Caesar ruby ​​determined that it was a rubellite, or the highest quality pink tourmaline, and not a ruby. Now it, like many other historical stones, is stored in the Diamond Fund of Russia.

How to distinguish a fake?

Sapphires are first-class gemstones, which is why they are often counterfeited. Glass, synthetic materials, and cheap natural gems can be used to create fake jewelry. But if you wish, you can see the authenticity of the jewelry if you listen to some advice:

• the structure should not be uniform; with the right lighting, natural stone has transitions, and fakes seem ideal in appearance;
• the mineral has high hardness, so only diamonds or similar crystals can leave damage on it;
• a gem of natural origin stays cool in your hands, while synthetic materials heat up quickly;
• when exposed to ultraviolet radiation, fake jewelry acquires a green tint;
• glued stones can be examined with a magnifying glass; during magnification, all defects will become noticeable.

It should be understood that often cheap sapphires are simply refined. They are also natural, but cannot be too expensive.

Opals

The Olympic Australian opal is the largest high quality opal. In 2005, its value reached $2.5 million. The weight of the stone is 17 thousand carats. The UN received its name in honor of the Olympic Games held in Australia in 1956, when the gem was found. The milky white color and pronounced opalescent effect make the mineral beautiful even without cutting.

The Black Prince Opal was found in Australia in the early 20th century. Along with it, other precious stones were discovered, which also later became famous. The Black Prince weighs 181 carats, but its main feature is its color. One side of it is completely red, and the other plays with all the colors of the rainbow. The mineral was kept in various American museums for a long time until it was stolen.

Interesting facts about the stone

There are some interesting facts about the sky-colored crystal that are definitely worth mentioning.

Two known minerals are in the vault of the kings of Britain. One was placed in the center of the British crown in the cross. This specimen has an ancient history; it was discovered back in the 11th century.

The second specimen was worn on the head of Charles II, but then in the mid-sixteenth century the mineral was stolen and later discovered in England. It is currently in the Queen's crown.

A large specimen was discovered in Sri Lanka; its weight was 446 carats; it was measured after processing.

"Star of India", 563 carats

One of the largest and most famous sapphires in the world, which also has a rare asterism effect. It was found on the island of Sri Lanka about three hundred years ago, belonged to the famous financier J.P. Morgan, and was then donated by him to the New York Museum of Natural History, where it is now located. On October 29, 1964, a gang of robbers led by Jack Murphy committed a daring robbery of the museum, as a result of which the Star of India stone was stolen along with other jewelry. Almost three years later, it was returned to its place: the stolen sapphire, along with several other missing stones, was discovered at the Miami bus station, in a storage room, after which it was safely placed in the museum.

Price

The cost of these jewelry can be very affordable for consumers if the mineral does not belong to the first class, for example:

• the ring can cost about 3,000 rubles;
• earrings cost about 10,000 rubles;
• pendants cost about 3,000 rubles.

A mysterious sapphire instantly attracts the eye and attention; you immediately want to get it for use. There is not a single person who will remain indifferent to an amazing decoration. You should wear it only with pure thoughts in order to fully experience its positive influence.

Who is suitable according to their zodiac sign?

The mineral is a mysterious, miraculously powerful stone. But, like everyone else, he has his zodiac favorites. According to astrologers, sapphire according to the zodiac signs is suitable for the following people:

1. A lion. Relieves irritability, calms ardor, helps to work on your character.
2. Sagittarius. It will set men up for victory and reach new heights, strengthen their inner core, add courage, determination and self-confidence. It will make women more charming and encourage them to develop new mutual affection.
3. Scorpion. Drives out negativity and helps choose the right direction for development.

There are signs for which wearing the blue mineral is contraindicated: Gemini, Capricorn. For everyone else (especially those with the fire element), sapphire is ideal energetically. For Taurus and Virgo, the mineral has a positive effect to a small extent. Although it can improve communication skills, find your life potential, and achieve some success. If only the owners are confident in their abilities.

Reference! Sapphire is not for everyone. It affects one zodiac sign positively or negatively. When purchasing, it is important to consider zodiac compatibility. Although, to one degree or another, the mineral is compatible with all signs. Ideal for Aquarius and Sagittarius. Even Capricorns should not completely abandon it. Can be worn periodically to special occasions. The main thing is not to use it as a talisman or talisman.

Sapphirine

There is an ornamental semi-precious stone that bears a similar name - sapphirine.

The name stuck after the first publication of a report on the discovery of German geologists in Greenland (1819), where the mineral was given the following description: “An opaque stone of cornflower blue color, reminiscent of blue sapphire.” Later it turned out that this is a milky blue variety of chalcedony. Sometimes sapphirine is also called a banded variety of chalcedony - blue agate.