| Sapphire
Healing Properties
One of the precious gemstones, the term Sapphire encompasses all non-red
corundum, however, the best Sapphires are a deep transparent blue (the
red variety being Ruby). Lowest grade of all would be a black, opaque
sapphire. An exceptionally hard stone--the only gemstone harder is diamond.
The name corundum comes from the ancient Sanskrit kuruvindam, while the
name Sapphire comes from the Persian word safir, meaning beloved of Saturn,
(or Greek sapphiros).
Mystical Properties: Very commonly said to bring
divine favor and to repel envy. Sir Richard Francis, an Oriental traveler
had a large Star Sapphire that, when shone to natives, always seemed to
bring him favor and good
luck.
The blue color is often associated with the heavens. Pope Innocent III
gave all his Bishops Sapphires.
Thought to bring powerful protection to its wearer from spells,
give the wearer the ability to discern the truth and the future. Often
mentioned as an amplifier of a witch's
or necromancer's power. Most powerful of all were believed to be Star
Sapphires, sometimes called Stones of Destiny. The rays of a star sapphire
are said to represent Faith, Hope and Destiny.
The Bible mentions the tablets of Moses were written on Sapphires. (Most
scholars now believe this stone was lapis
lazuli).
The Star of India, a 543 carat Star Sapphire and very famous gem, is currently
in the Museum of Natural history.
In Eastern
Astrology, Sapphires are considered important gems of Pisces and Aquarius.
In Western
Astrology, Sapphires are associated with Saturn, who rules the Astrological
sign of Capricorn.
Sapphire is an important gemstone in subduing an over-active Throat
Chakra (5th Chakra).
Natural Healers use Sapphire to help rid unwanted thoughts, bring joy,
peace and wealth. It is also thought to help heal blood problems.
The traditional jeweler's birthstone for September.
Traditional Gift of the 23rd Wedding
Anniversary.
Healing Properties: In Medieval times Sapphire
was thought to be an excellent antidote for poison. Thought to help with
mental conditions.
Scientific Properties: Composed of Aluminum
Oxide (Corundum).
The star phenomena is created by inclusions of rutile in the crystal structure.
It is rarely found in the more precious blue stones, more common in the
black, gray, blue-gray and white variety of sapphire.
Identified in the field by their six-sided (hexagonal) crystals. Large
deposits are found in metamorphic rocks which may have once been the source
of placer deposits in the gem gravels of Ceylon.
Important locales include Sri Lanka, South Africa, Burma and Tanzania.
Hardness: 9 on the Moh's
Hardness Scale.
Buyer Beware! Most Sapphires purchased in the Malls are really synthetic
Spinels, sold as Laboratory Created Sapphire. Be an informed buyer and
always ask if you're interested in a genuine Sapphire!
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