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!