Sapphire stone: properties and who it suits according to zodiac sign

Description of the sapphire stone and its characteristics

Sapphire is a mineral whose starting material is corundum. It is aluminum oxide. To form natural crystals under natural conditions, a high alumina content and a minimal amount of silica are required. The stone should not be confused with sapphirine, which got its name due to its resemblance to sapphire, but belongs to a completely different category.

The formation of crystals and their obtaining of one or another shade is associated with the presence of impurities:

• To get a blue stone you need titanium,
• yellow contains iron oxide,
• and pink contains manganese.

In total, there are about 2 thousand shades of such stones.

Even a rare green sapphire can change its shade under the influence of X-rays or changes in temperature. In this case, colorless crystals can be colored under the influence of x-rays.

When the stone is heated, its shade becomes less intense. For example, pink crystals can be obtained by heating a purple stone, while yellow crystals will then become colorless.

According to the description, the key characteristic of the mineral is the correct crystal structure and double refraction. In terms of hardness, sapphire is second only to diamond.

There are sapphires of different colors.

Answering the question, what is sapphire, you need to outline its properties:

• chemical formula - Al2O3;
• glass shine;
• various colors;
• density - 4.0 g/cm3;
• hardness according to the Mohs scale - 9 points;
• lack of fragility;
• conchoidal fracture.

How to spot a fake

The popularity of blue gems has led to the massive emergence of fakes. Instead of real blue corundum, artificial sapphire is often sold. Particularly inattentive buyers end up with plastic.

Knowing some subtleties, you can protect yourself from fraud and counterfeiting.

How to choose a sapphire:

• To understand whether it is real corundum or a cheap imitation, try scratching it. Due to the hardness of the mineral, it is not afraid of sharp objects - needles, scissors, knives. Only another corundum or diamond can damage it.
• A more complex fake will reveal itself if you expose the stone to ultraviolet rays. Synthetics will immediately change color to green.
• To distinguish the original from the fake, you need to hold the jewelry in your hands. Artificial sapphire and plastic will heat up faster than real mineral.
• When examined under a microscope, it turns out that the mineral has a heterogeneous structure. A complete absence of unevenness occurs only in laboratory products.

A person who understands stones as a matter of profession knows what a sapphire looks like, and therefore will be able to distinguish a fake by eye. But an inexperienced buyer will have a hard time. Moreover, the cost of a product does not always equal its quality.

If you are not sure that you can handle it on your own, go to the store with a jeweler or mineralogist.

Colors of the mineral and its refinement

Many people are interested in what color the sapphire is and what it looks like. Most often the mineral has a blue color. However, due to impurities, other shades are also found. At the same time, regardless of the color scheme, crystals need improvement.

It is difficult to find a mineral in nature that can be immediately used to create jewelry. As a rule, you have to work hard on them, and sapphire is no exception.

To bring the mineral to the desired appearance, you can use different methods of refining. The following types of treatments are usually used for sapphires:

• annealing;
• diffusion;
• coloring;
• healing of cracks;
• applying varnish.

This is what freshly mined stones look like

Blue

These sapphires have unique shades. Therefore they represent the most valuable varieties. The color and intensity of the color of the stone are determined by the iron and titanium content.

Blue sapphires can have a light, almost colorless tint or have a very deep and rich color. At the same time, dark stones are considered less valuable.

Due to the presence of various impurities, pure and uniform shades are very rare. However, when cut correctly, blue sapphire turns into a real treasure.

There are sapphires of a special cornflower blue color that were found in Kashmir. In price they can even exceed emeralds.

Violet

This shade is obtained due to the presence of vanadium in the composition. Such stones are often called purple amethysts. They may have an additional tint - blue, red or pink.

Such stones are mined in Thailand. They are also found in Burma and Sri Lanka.

The purple color of sapphire is explained by vanadium impurities in it.

Other colors

Other sapphire shades include the following:

• Pink ones are extremely rare. Their deposit is in Burma. In terms of cost, they are second only to blue crystals.
• Pink-orange - they are also called padparadscha. Such crystals are considered one of the most expensive types of sapphires.
• Green ones are quite rare, but have a relatively low cost. Such stones are mined in the USA, Thailand and Australia. They are often called oriental emeralds.
• Yellow - can have different shades. Sapphires are light yellow or dark brown. Stones are mainly imported from Sri Lanka.
• Colorless - transparent minerals are mined in Sri Lanka. There are no impurities in their composition. Such crystals are also called leucosapphires.
• Black - in fact, they have a dark gray color. Such crystals are mined in Australia. This group includes blue gems that are so deep in color that they appear blue-black.

Separately, it is worth mentioning the star sapphire. This stone is considered a real mystery because it has a unique design.

In fact, the pattern is associated with rutin impurities in the composition. They form a cluster of microcrystals, which provokes the formation of rays on the surface. This effect is called asterism.

To make the star brighter and the color more saturated, the stone is often heated.

Pink crystal is extremely rare.

Story

Sapphire is a stone that has long been highly valued for its wonderful beauty and extraordinary strength.
Its discoverers are considered to be the inhabitants of the south-eastern part of Asia, who called it “corundam”. In modern mineralogy, corundum is a mineral that has quite a few varieties (sapphire, ruby, etc.). There are many versions about where the word “sapphire” first appeared. Historians have still not come to a consensus.

• Some of them believe that from the word “sipru” - in the language of Ancient Babylon means “scratching”. Probably, the extraordinary hardness of this stone gave rise to such a designation.
• “Caniprya” is translated from the ancient Indian language as “beloved by Saturn.”
• Translation from Sanskrit is “favorite piece of heaven.”
• "Sappheiros" means "blue stone" in Greek. In Hellas, absolutely all precious blue-colored gems were called this way.

In mineralogy, the modern name of this stone comes from the Latin language - “sapphirus”.

Once upon a time, only blue corundum was called sapphire. Later, jewelers extended it to include gems of different colors, forming a specific group.

Today, for a mineralogist, “sapphire” is only blue corundum, but for a jeweler it is a group of multi-colored corundums, except red, which is called ruby.

In Russia, until the 19th century, all blue gems were called “bausami” and only sapphire had a separate name - azure yakhont.

The Romans gave corundum the name cyanus (cornflower) and dedicated it to Jupiter.

In ancient Greek mythology, sapphire is the stone of Zeus. The temple priest always had a ring with this gem.

In Buddhist cosmogony it is said that under the North Star, at the celestial pole, there is a mountain. Its four sides consist of yachts of different colors. The one facing us is lined with blue corundum, which is why the sky is also blue.

In the Middle Ages, Muslims were sure that around our world there was a mountain range called Kaff (perhaps the Caucasus), the ridge of which was lined with blue yacht. It gives blue reflections to the heavens.

An Indian legend says that the magic drops of Amrita became blue corundums. The Creator turned this elixir, which bestows eternal life, into stone so that people could not use it.

According to biblical legend , sapphire is one of a dozen precious stones that decorate the gates of the heavenly city, where God will invite every person who believes and is righteous in earthly life.

This wonderful mineral is one of the main artifacts for Christian clergy of high status. They were supposed to wear rings with this gem set in gold. Moreover, it should be natural, without jewelry processing.

Since ancient times, blue sapphire has been associated with power over a large number of people, because they believed that it harbored the power of heaven and gods.

There has long been a tradition of decorating the crowns of the rulers of countries with these gems.

According to legend, sapphires were in the crown of Queen Cleopatra. King Solomon owned the sapphire seal.

Synthetic sapphires and differences from fakes

The first artificial sapphire was created in the USA in the middle of the last century. Since that time, synthetic crystals have been produced in many countries around the world. The key difference between such stones is the absence of natural inclusions. However, this is only noticeable under a microscope.

If you place an artificial mineral under an ultraviolet lamp, you can see a greenish color. At the same time, natural stone is characterized by a white sheen.

In finished products, only specialists can distinguish synthetic sapphire from the real thing. To avoid encountering a counterfeit, you need to ask for a certificate for the product.

Place of Birth

Deposits of this stone are found in all parts of the world.

Places of extraction and types of sapphire:

• Kashmir (India) - specimens of the highest class, cornflower blue in color. Has the greatest value.
• Sri Lanka - blue; rare pink-orange (padparadscha).
• Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia - greenish “Siamese”, of low quality.
• Tanzania, Kenya, USA - multi-colored specimens.
• Australia - not very valuable species.
• Russia (Ural, Kola Peninsula) - non-jewelry (technical) minerals; on the peninsula - cornflower blue with a greenish tint.

Magical properties of the stone

Sapphire has pronounced magical properties. This stone is capable of accumulating cosmic energy. With its help, it is possible to achieve harmony and integrity in life.

Who is sapphire suitable for? Esotericists advise wearing this stone to people who want to find their path in life, achieve inner comfort and get rid of depression.

This crystal is perfect for people who are prone to strong throwing. In this case, the stone will help achieve internal balance. It unleashes creativity and serves as a source of inspiration.

Only natural, natural gems have magical and healing properties.

The protective properties of the crystal are also of great importance. He is able to cleanse any space of negativity. Therefore, the owner of such a talisman is reliably protected from the evil eye and damage.

The pure shade of sapphire is considered a symbol of fidelity, honesty and chastity of a woman. It is used to make amulets and talismans that symbolize spiritual purity, wisdom and intelligence. Sapphire helps men become more gentle and attentive. At the same time, it gives you self-confidence.

Green stone helps cope with sleep disorders.

The magical properties of the stone are also affected by its shade:

• The yellow crystal provides reliable protection against the evil eye and damage. It also helps get rid of anxiety and inner uncertainty. With the help of such an amulet you can become more decisive and eliminate depression. The crystal also helps to unleash creativity. It can be worn by children over 3 years old. This stone will help kids develop endurance. At the same time, constant use of the stone by anxious people is considered a contraindication. The fact is that it can provoke even greater anxiety.
• Blue stone is perfect for people who constantly face cardiovascular pathologies. With its help, you can collect your thoughts, tune in to a positive mood and achieve your goal.
• The light blue talisman helps you feel the energy of higher powers and demonstrate your magical abilities.
• Black stone helps to avoid depression, restore zest for life, and restore self-confidence. This crystal is considered reliable protection against dark forces.
• The white stone symbolizes fidelity and purity. It will be a great gift for your loved one.
• Green crystal helps eliminate sleep disturbances. It also promotes empathy, kindness, and compassion for others. An additional advantage of the stone is the possibility of its use for eye diseases.
• Pink sapphire requires caution. The fact is that this crystal is capable of materializing thoughts. For people who hold anger and envy in their souls, all the negativity can return. If a person has bright thoughts and noble goals, he will be able to achieve the desired results.

The star sapphire is considered a particularly powerful talisman. This is due to the fact that it accumulates energy at the intersection of its rays.

It is important to consider that sapphires with color defects cannot be used for magical purposes. They can lead to the opposite effect. As a result, the person will face troubles and suffering.

Where is it used?

For industrial purposes, only stones of artificial origin are used. Natural sapphires are very expensive, and their size does not allow for the creation of large-scale objects.

Jewelry

Pure transparent sapphires are highly valued by jewelers all over the world. most impressive in rings, earrings, pendants, and tiaras . Often, a brightly colored stone is featured prominently in jewelry; large sapphires are framed with a scattering of small diamonds and rubies.

The cut of the stone can be varied, the most impressive are crystals in the shape of a “princess”, oval, round, square. Star minerals are cut into cabochon shapes to reveal the star in the center.

Other areas

In addition to making jewelry, sapphires are used to make glass in the space industry and optical glass in laboratory technology .

Stones are widely used in ophthalmology, to create lenses for SLR cameras.

Stone cost

The price of a high-quality transparent sapphire without foreign inclusions can be comparable to the cost of a diamond. The assessment is influenced by the shade of the stone and its size:

1. Stones weighing up to 1 carat can be purchased at auction for about 2,000 rubles.
2. The cost of green sapphire varies from 5,000 rubles. depending on the shade.
3. A yellow stone will cost more – 8,000 rubles. for 1 carat.
4. A blue gem is valued higher - about 20,000 rubles.
5. The price for 1 carat in rubles for a classic blue sapphire is from 65,000 rubles.

What is more expensive – a sapphire or a diamond? Undoubtedly, cut diamonds have a higher value than sapphires, but the difference in price is insignificant.

Interesting! Rare dark blue stones of incredible beauty can be valued higher than classic clear diamonds.

Healing properties of the stone

Sapphire stone also has healing properties. It is believed that it can be used for the following diseases:

• bronchial asthma;
• gynecological pathologies;
• headache;
• skin diseases;
• disorders in the musculoskeletal system;
• diabetes;
• mental disorders;
• heart diseases.

Sapphire is called the stone of longevity. With its help, it is possible to maintain a sound mind and memory. In addition, the stone provides reliable protection against sclerosis.

The healing properties of a mineral directly depend on its shade:

• Blue crystals help cope with skin diseases, heart pathologies, and inflammation. They help eliminate intense headaches. These stones also restore reproductive functions in women and even treat infertility.
• Green sapphire helps cope with insomnia and nightmares. It also helps improve vision.
• Yellow gem strengthens the immune system. It improves the functioning of the whole body, copes with stress and depression. However, the gem must be used in doses.

Sapphire of any shade can be charged into water. To do this, the stone is immersed in liquid early in the morning and the resulting composition is used for washes and compresses.

Yellow crystal strengthens the immune system.

Areas of use

Sapphire corundum is used not only in jewelry. Stones, glass, and metal are polished with powder made from a highly durable mineral. In heavy industry and transport, the gem has found application in production:

• facing materials;
• anti-slip coating;
• paint and varnish products;
• casting molds;
• sandpaper;
• grinding wheels.

Precious corundum stones present in mechanical watches guarantee accurate time and long running time. Sapphire glass used in optics does not lose strength and does not crack. The lens of the mineral distinguishes many shades of gray color.

Reference! When cutting tiles, corundum replaces the diamond disc; during emergency work on gas mains, it plays the role of a sensor that monitors pressure drops.

Which zodiac sign suits sapphire as a talisman?

When choosing a stone, you need to evaluate your compatibility with it according to your horoscope.

In fact, sapphire suits many zodiac signs. It is important to consider the following:

• Stones give Aries wisdom and style. Sapphire also provides protection from enemies.
• Taurus people can become more self-confident with the help of sapphire.
• For Gemini, the stone will help make life more interesting and eventful.
• Cancers will be able to improve their health with the help of the stone.
• Leos who wear the stone will noticeably increase their productivity at work.
• For Virgos, the gem will help them establish contacts with colleagues.
• For Libra, the crystal will help develop intuition and make them more purposeful.
• For Scorpios, the stone will relieve thoughts of the past.
• For Aquarians, the gem will help them think soberly in difficult situations.
• The crystal will give Pisces success in any business.
• Sapphire will make Sagittarius more active.

Sapphire is strictly contraindicated for Capricorns. The stone will strengthen all the negative qualities of representatives of this sign - laziness, rancor, pride.

The stone suits almost all zodiac signs, except Capricorns.

Sapphire is a unique stone that has a charming appearance and is often used to create spectacular jewelry. In addition, the gem has pronounced healing and magical properties. In order for these characteristics to be fully revealed, it is important to choose the right shade of the crystal and follow the rules for wearing it.

Product care

Soapy water is suitable for cleaning jewelry with stones.
Many jewelry owners have experienced the frustration of having their favorite pieces damaged. Some stones have very low strength and split from a slight blow, others do not tolerate contact with chemicals.

As for sapphire, it is more durable. Its hardness is 9 out of 10 on the mineralogical scale, so sapphire jewelry does not need to be stored in a separate padded box. Wash them with soap every few months and then leave them to dry naturally. In summer, it is recommended to repeat this procedure somewhat more often.

Cleaning jewelry with soap is different from regular hand washing. Jewelry should not be rubbed against soap, otherwise its particles will become clogged with uneven surfaces and will then be difficult to wash. Use soapy water for cleaning. To make it, lather the soap in a plate or cup.