Sapphire stone: magical properties, what varieties look like

Sapphire is a precious stone that can conquer any woman.
Its elegance impressed not only fashion connoisseurs, but also the jewelry makers themselves. Magicians, fortune tellers and lithotherapists evaluated the properties of blue corundum. It is believed that it is capable of healing, restoring peace of mind, and protecting against envy and black magic. What types of sapphires are there? Who are they suitable for according to their horoscope? How can you distinguish a fake from a real stone? Now we'll figure it all out.

Historical facts

The first to discover sapphire were the inhabitants of East Asia. They noticed its beauty and also drew attention to the unusual properties of the mineral. In the old days it was called corundum, and then this name replaced the Greek word “sappheiros”, which translates as “precious stone”.

Until the 18th century, specimens of any color were called sapphires, but the Swedish naturalist Johan Wallerius made a proposal to call only blue specimens that way. His idea caught on and led to the misconception that these stones only come in blue.

There is another version about the origin of the name. Sapphire is also translated as “scratching”. Apparently, this name appeared due to the high density of the mineral, which allows it to damage the surface of other gems, but remain unharmed itself.

The discoverers of the blue gem are considered to be the inhabitants of East Asia.

Sapphire was and remains a very expensive mineral. Whether in the past or now, only wealthy people can afford jewelry made from real gems. For this reason, blue corundum is called the stone of monarchs - it was often used in the manufacture of unique sets of jewelry, crowns and thrones were inlaid with it. It has become an attribute of strength, power and inaccessible beauty.

Previously, in Russia, all blue gems (kyanite, indigolite) were called “baus”. Also in use were the names “azure yacht” and “lapis lazuli” - they meant blue corundum.

Therapeutic effect

People have long used the healing properties of the gemstone, and modern lithotherapists do the same. The crystal is infused in water, then this liquid is drunk or used for compresses and lotions. Natural gems obtained in natural conditions help:

• improve the condition of blood vessels and heart;
• cope with eye diseases;
• strengthen the immune system and increase the body's defenses;
• cure diseases of the joints and musculoskeletal system;
• fight female diseases and infertility.

All colored sapphires are distinguished by these properties, but each crystal has its own specifics.

• A natural precious gem of yellow color has a positive effect on the mental state of the owner, relieving depression and obsessive fears. However, if you wear the crystal frequently, excessive anxiety manifests itself, and the positive value of sapphire in this case is negated.
• The blue color of the stone helps preserve external beauty and youth, improves the general condition of the body and regulates the functioning of the heart.
• The healing properties that the green mineral has are the fight against insomnia and nightmares. This effect is explained by the beneficial effects of sapphire on the nervous system of the owner. In addition, the stone is considered to help restore vision.
• Violet sapphires also have a positive effect on the eyes. For rinsing and compresses, use water in which the pebble has lain overnight.
• Pink specimens have a similar effect, which, in addition, relieves a person from migraines.

Where are sapphires mined?

Deposits are found in many countries. But not everywhere it is mined on an industrial scale.

Adam's Star - one of the largest corundums was found in Sri Lanka.

The richest deposits are located in:

• India;
• USA;
• Burma;
• Sri Lanka;
• Thailand;
• Vietnam;
• in Madagascar.

Minerals from India and Tanzania are considered the most valuable. Indian specimens have a blue tint, which, contrary to popular belief, is very rare in nature.

Kashmir sapphire, which got its name from the place where it was mined, is also considered Indian, although this is not entirely true. The territory of Kashmir does not belong to India. In addition to this country, China and Pakistan also claim the right to own it.

Samples from Burma and Ceylon are close to the standard cornflower blue hue, but stones from Tanzania usually have a greenish or red color. Rare pink sapphires are also mined in Ceylon.

There is no industrial mining in Russia. Although very beautiful gems were found on the Kola Peninsula, as well as in the Urals.

One of the largest gems was found in Sri Lanka. This is a 1404.49 carat stone, which received an interesting name - the Star of Adam. Star because it is a mineral with the effect of asterism, Adam - because according to one version, after leaving paradise, Adam lived on the slopes of one of the mountains of Sri Lanka. Now it is called Adam's Peak.

Place of Birth

Sapphires of high quality and extraordinary beauty are mined in Sri Lanka, Madagascar, India, Thailand, Burma, Australia and Brazil. Indian gems, which are characterized by velvety texture and a color similar to cornflower (Kashmir deposit), are usually valued more than others. This variety is considered the most valuable and expensive, but the reserves of this deposit, unfortunately, have been greatly reduced recently.

Physicochemical characteristics

In terms of hardness, only diamond is higher than blue corundum. Sapphire is a mineral belonging to the first order precious stones. Along with it, this group includes diamond, ruby, emerald, spinel and alexandrite.

The hardness of the stone is second only to diamond.

Sapphire characteristics:

• chemical formula - Al2O3;
• hardness on the Mohs scale - 9 points;
• luster - glassy;
• transparency - transparent, opaque;
• melting point - 2040 °C;
• cleavage - absent;
• syngony - trigonal;
• fracture - uneven, conchoidal;
• density - 3.95-4.00 g/cm³;
• color - shades of cornflower blue and blue, yellow and red, pink, green, purple, black and transparent.

All colored corundums (except blue and red) are called “fancy”. Star sapphires are also found in nature - they received this name because of the interesting effect that forms a star-shaped pattern on the surface of the stone.

STRUCTURE

The crystal structure of Al2O3 is shown in the figure in the form of Al2O3 groups at the corners of two rhombohedrons that make up the unit cell. Despite its apparent complexity, it has a fairly simple structural diagram. Oxygen ions are in a dense hexagonal packing and are arranged in sheets perpendicular to the triple axis, superimposed on one another. Al cations are located between two such sheets in the form of hexagons (with an unoccupied center), filling two-thirds of the octahedral voids (i.e., the voids between six oxygen anions, three of which belong to one, and the other three, rotated relative to the first by 180°, - another sheet of oxygen ions). In this case, the groups of every three oxygen ions form a common face for two adjacent octahedra in adjacent sheets. It is characteristic that the oxygen sheets are superimposed on each other in such a way that in each column of octahedra two occupied ones also alternate with one unoccupied one, and the pairs of occupied octahedra form helical triple axes vertically.

Types and colors

Most people who have heard anything about sapphire are sure that these stones come only in blue shades - blue and cornflower blue. Nevertheless, a gem in this color is rare, and therefore is considered one of the most expensive among its counterparts.

Types of sapphires:

• Yellow, orange. They come across as rarely as the classic ones. The saturation of the shade depends on the nickel admixture.
• Green. The green color of the stone is formed by mixing yellow and blue crystals.
• Pink. Externally, minerals of this shade are similar to pink diamonds, but are much cheaper. Rarely found in nature, they come from Madagascar or Ceylon.
• Purple. They are also called oriental amethyst.
• White. The stone is also called “leucosapphire”. The colorlessness of this species was ensured by the absence of additional impurities. Due to its transparency, the mineral has become a frequent replacement in sets that imitate expensive diamond jewelry.
• Grey, black. Translucent or completely opaque samples are often found. The latter are not particularly valued. Of the stones of this shade, only the so-called “star-shaped” corundums are expensive.

An artificial mineral produced in laboratories is used to create cheaper jewelry. This is beneficial, but it is worth considering that synthetic stones will not have any healing or magical powers.

MORPHOLOGY

It occurs in the form of barrel-shaped, dipyramidal and tabular pseudohexagonal crystals, separately disseminated grains and granular aggregates. The faces of prisms, dipyramids and pinacoids are often covered with rough oblique shading. Typically, fairly well-formed barrel-shaped, columnar, pyramidal and lamellar crystals are observed, sometimes reaching large sizes (up to a decimeter in diameter). The most common faces of the hexagonal prism {1120}, hexagonal dipyramids {2241}, {2243}, rhombohedron (1011} and pinacoid {0001}. Often the faces of prisms and dipyramids, as well as the faces of the pinacoid, are covered with oblique shading, and in other cases it is observed hatching in the horizontal direction due to twinning along the pinacoid.

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.

What is the price?

The price depends on the size of the stone, its purity and processing method:

1. Plain sapphire cabochons can be purchased starting at $10 per carat. In rubles this will be just under 600 at the 2021 exchange rate.
2. An inexpensive green processed sapphire costs about $75 per carat.
3. The yellow one can be purchased for $120.
4. Pure cornflower blue retails for $300 per carat.
5. Blue, unheated, costs more than $1,000 per carat.

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.

Price

It is one of the four most expensive gems. To understand how much a sapphire costs, you need to consider the following factors:

• color;
• size;
• purity;
• transparency;
• cutting;
• weight;
• natural or refined specimen;
• origin (place of extraction).

To increase the value of sapphires, they are refined. Purity and transparency are increased by filling voids with wax, oil or glass. Heat until the inclusions dissolve and the desired color saturation.

The most expensive are cornflower blue from Kashmir or Ceylon and Tanzanian songea (this is the name of the place where it is mined). It has increased purity, a rich green-red palette, often with a star. Examples of value (price per carat):

• cornflower blue – $300–1000, without heat treatment – ​​from $1000;
• padparadscha – $130, if the weight is more than five carats, the specimen is considered a collectible, the price of 1 carat starts from $30 thousand;
• yellow – $100–120;
• green – from $75.

Low quality materials are priced not per carat, but per piece – $10–20. Gray sapphire only matters if there is an asterism effect.

It's nice to have at least one piece of jewelry or stone, purchased, gifted or mined personally. A collection of sapphires of different colors will become a source of pride, a family heirloom, and will bring harmony to your home.

What is treated with sapphire

The healing properties of blue corundum were discovered thousands of years ago. Doctors advised applying the stone to sore spots. The gem was used to heal wounds and get rid of headaches. They also made a tincture from it by immersing the pebble in a glass of water overnight. The tincture had a general strengthening effect, increasing the body's resistance to bacteria.

Yellow sapphire will help strengthen the immune system.

The healing properties of sapphire extend to all its types. Blue, yellow, white, green - each of these colors has its own effect on a person, helping him cope with health problems:

• blue - normalizes the circulatory system, strengthens the heart, relieves headaches;
• yellow - has a better effect on the immune system than others;
• green - helps with sleep disorders (drives away nightmares, relieves insomnia), improves vision.

What else can sapphire handle:

• bronchial asthma;
• skin diseases;
• diabetes;
• ulcer;
• kidney disease;
• infertility.

Sapphire has the ability to heal body and soul. Samples of cool tones are suitable for meditation - they have a calming effect on the psyche, helping to relieve nervous tension and fatigue.

Constant use of a mineral for healing can deplete its potential. Having absorbed too much painful energy, the talisman will soon stop working. It's very easy to prevent this - pay attention to cleaning regularly.

For this you will need clean water and salt. Rinse the jewelry under water. When it is dry, place it on a plate, sprinkle it to the top with salt. Keep it like this for several hours. If the previous cleaning was carried out a long time ago, you can leave the talisman in salt for a whole day or several days.

AREAS OF USE

Sapphires are widely used depending on their properties.

In addition to the jewelry industry, the following are used:

• in optics and sound optics,
• microelectronics,
• quantum electronics.

Outside of jewelry, artificial stones with a low content of impurities (leucosapphires) are most often used.

From leucosapphires we obtain:

• tubes for high pressure fluorescent lamps,
• unique chemical glassware,
• implants for dental prosthetics,
• high-strength screens of brand phones and Swiss watches,
• high-precision lasers.
• Sapphire lenses help improve human vision.

Healing and magical properties of sapphire

Ayurveda gives the stone the ability to treat epilepsy, neuralgia and hysteria.

In the early Middle Ages, European scientists described the ability of the mineral to treat eye diseases and relieve melancholy.

Modern lithotherapists endow the gem with power:

• strengthen the immune system,
• regulate blood pressure and heart rate,
• treat diseases of the respiratory tract and heart,
• relieve insomnia.

On a magical level, the stone is considered a symbol of fidelity, hope and nobility. Allows you to achieve peace and inner harmony, clarify your thoughts, and put everything in its place. Due to the properties of sapphire to quench passions, it was called the “Stone of nuns” and was given to women as a talisman of purity and innocence.

The mineral helps to achieve your goal in various areas:

• Love,
• career,
• a cherished wish or something else.

The strength of a sapphire is also affected by the frame in which it is placed:

• gold enhances the magical properties of the stone,
• silver - medicinal.

Of no small importance is which finger the sapphire is worn on:

However, the gem helps only people with pure thoughts. Otherwise it will not work or even cause harm.

Sapphire and the signs of the Zodiac

The stone is compatible with almost all zodiac signs.

Sapphire is especially suitable for those whose horoscope is protected by Jupiter and Saturn:

• Leos,
• Sagittarius,
• Aquarius.

The mineral is not always suitable for Capricorns. A stone that enhances determination can turn natural perseverance into stubbornness.

In addition to the zodiac sign, the combination of a stone with female and male names is important:

Magic properties

The magical properties of blue corundum are no less pronounced than their healing properties. The stone literally exudes witchcraft energy. It attracts people related to the mysterious and forbidden - magicians, sorcerers, clairvoyants, psychics.

Blue sapphire is capable of developing the gift of clairvoyance.

How the magic of sapphire manifests itself:

• the stone protects its owner from the evil eye, black magic, and energy attacks;
• enhances positive character traits, develops willpower;
• like rock crystal, it serves as a conductor between worlds - it helps to communicate with the souls of the dead, all sorts of otherworldly entities;
• the gem strengthens love bonds - protects against betrayal, minimizes the number of quarrels, dispels misunderstandings - therefore it is useful for women to wear sapphire.

Which color to choose:

• the blue mineral opens the “third eye” - helps make predictions;
• white restores the aura and also promotes spiritual development;
• pink - helps to open up to the world, free yourself from negative attitudes, hidden fear;
• black - adds calm, restores self-confidence, prevents you from falling into depression;

The star mineral has one of the rarest abilities - it can recognize the lies of others. Such an amulet will be useful for those who have to frequently come into contact with others - lawyers, politicians, businessmen.

Story

It is believed that the stones were first discovered in southeast Asia. Their first name is corundum. Jewelers today call all corundums except red (ruby) sapphires. When asked what kinds of sapphires there are, a mineralogist will answer unequivocally – only blue ones.

The name is interpreted differently:

1. As a translation from Greek, meaning “blue stone”.
2. From “sipru”, which in Ancient Babylon meant “scratching”.

The second option speaks about the hardness of the mineral.

Rus' knew him as the azure yacht. In the East they are sure that the magic drops of Amrita, the elixir of immortality, became sapphires.

Photo of sapphire stone

Rich blue sapphire is the stone of rulers, for which it is called royal. At the same time, it should be the way nature created it, without the intervention of a jeweler. Such specimens were chosen for rings by the first Christian pontiffs.

Who is suitable according to their zodiac sign?

Astrologers do not advise Capricorns to use blue corundum as a talisman.
Like other stones, this one has its own zodiac favorites. Among the favorites who were lucky enough to be included in the circle of the chosen ones, astrologers name the following zodiac signs:

• Sagittarius . Corundum will give Sagittarius courage. Having tuned in to victory, Sagittarius men will begin to reach new heights. Sagittarius women will become a little more charming, the amulet will give them new mutual affection.
• A lion . Leos should not expect drastic changes in their lives from him. However, the stone will help them work on their character - it will calm down their ardor and relieve irritability.
• Scorpion . Sapphire is like a magic wand for Scorpio. The gem will get rid of the negativity that this sign constantly envelops itself with and will help you choose the direction for development.

In addition, the blue mineral is suitable for Aries, Aquarius , Cancer , Pisces , Libra , Virgo , Taurus , but for Capricorn and Gemini .

Blue corundum is a wonderful talisman for those who want to look beautiful and develop spiritually. It brings good luck, protects its owner from envious people and black magic.

What stones does it go with?

Ring with sapphire
Sapphire loves to be the soloist in jewelry on her own, without the need for neighbors. This precious mineral absolutely does not tolerate the proximity of Earth stones (opaque minerals), since they are often too cheap.

Sapphire does not combine with beryl or malachite. This applies to proximity not only in the product, but in the image as a whole.

It is not recommended to wear sapphires with pearls - these minerals conflict both stylistically and energetically.

The best combination is considered to be a tandem with ruby, diamond, garnet, cubic zirconia and amethyst.