Discovering the Timeless Beauty of Sapphires

Sapphires, with their captivating hues and rich history, have fascinated humanity for centuries. These gemstones are more than just beautiful—they hold deep symbolic meanings and practical significance. Let’s dive into the world of sapphires to uncover their history, formation, characteristics and more!

History & Origins

Sapphires have been cherished since antiquity, with references found in ancient texts and artifacts. They were mentioned in the Bible, where they were believed to symbolize purity and wisdom, and ancient Persians believed that the earth rested on a giant sapphire, casting its blue reflection into the sky. The name “sapphire” is derived from the Greek word “sappheiros,” which historically referred to a "blue stone."  Interestingly enough, did you know blue is not the only color sapphires come in?? (more on that later)

The gem's significance continued through the ages, particularly in medieval Europe, where sapphires were thought to protect their wearers from envy and harm. They adorned the robes of clergy and royalty alike, enhancing their aura of nobility and spiritual purity. Physicians and ancient healers had tools encrusted with sapphires, as it was believed to hold healing and protective properties. Today, sapphires remain a symbol of sophistication, wealth, and wisdom, gracing everything from royal crowns to modern engagement rings.

(Pictured: Roman sapphire cameo depicting Aphrodite feeding an eagle, 1st century, Sri Lanka. Courtesy of Fitzwillian Museum, Cambridge.)

Formation & Locations Found

Sapphires are a variety of the mineral corundum, which is primarily composed of aluminum oxide. They form under high-pressure and high-temperature conditions deep within the Earth’s crust. The presence of trace elements such as iron, titanium, cobalt, lead, boron, magnesium, and/or chromium gives sapphires their characteristic colors, which fun fact is a whole RAINBOW of colors! Sapphires come in every color except for red. If it's a red-colored corundum, that is considered a ruby.

While sapphires are found in numerous locations around the globe, notable sources include: Sri Lanka- renowned for its exceptional blue sapphires and “Ceylon” stones; Myanmar (Burma)- known for its high-quality, vivid blue sapphires; Kashmir- famous for its unique, velvety-blue sapphires, although they are now quite rare; and Australia- one of the largest producers of sapphires, often in a variety of colors; as well as Thailand, Madagascar, and Montana in the US.

Characteristics

Sapphires are admired for their brilliance and durability. Here are some key characteristics that set them apart:

• Color:  While blue is the most recognized color, sapphires come in almost every color of the rainbow, except red (which is classified as ruby). The sapphire's color saturation will affect its ranked quality.
• Clarity: Sapphires can have inclusions, but high-quality stones are valued for their clarity and minimal imperfections. While every sapphire has some natural inclusions, clarity has to do with how many and what types of inclusions the sapphire has.
• Hardness: With a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, sapphires are second only to diamonds in durability, making them an extremely strong stone and excellent choice for daily wear!

What does it Symbolize

Sapphires are imbued with powerful symbolism. They are traditionally associated with wisdom, virtue, and good fortune. Throughout history, they have been thought to bring clarity of thought and insight, making them a popular choice for individuals seeking mental focus and spiritual enlightenment.

In many cultures, sapphires are believed to protect against envy and harm, serving as a shield for those who wear them. Their deep blue color is also linked to the heavens - the divine and the celestial, symbolizing a connection to higher realms and spiritual truth. During the Middle Ages, clergy wore sapphires to symbolize the heavens, and everyday people associated it with attracting heavenly blessings. In modern times, sapphires have become a popular alternative stone for an engagement ring, where it is said to symbolize faithfulness, sincerity and devotion.

Chakra & Zodiac Connection

Sapphires are closely associated with the throat chakra (Vishuddha), which governs communication, self-expression, and personal truth. Wearing a sapphire is thought to enhance one’s ability to express ideas clearly and truthfully, fostering more authentic and effective communication.

In astrology, sapphires are linked to the zodiac sign Libra. Libras, known for their appreciation of beauty and harmony, find resonance in the sapphire's calming blue tones and balanced energy.  The gemstone is believed to enhance the Libran qualities of fairness, balance, and diplomatic skills. While it has links to Libras, anyone wishing to activate their throat chakra of communication, truth, and expression would benefit from incorporating sapphire into their world.

Available Adornments:

Raspberry Sheen Sapphire (pictured) / Deep Blue Sapphire

(subject to availability)

Fun Facts:

• Sapphire is the birthstone of September

• Sapphire is a traditional 45th wedding anniversary stone

• While sapphires are most commonly associated with their deep blue color, they actually come in nearly every color of the rainbow except red (those are classified as rubies).

• The famous engagement ring of Princess Diana, now worn by Kate Middleton, features a stunning 12-carat blue sapphire surrounded by diamonds. This iconic piece has helped to cement sapphires as a popular choice for engagement rings and royal jewelry.

• In ancient Greece and Rome, sapphires were believed to protect their wearers from envy and harm. They were also thought to have a calming effect, helping to maintain peace and tranquility.

• Sapphires are used in some high-tech applications, including in space exploration. They are used to create durable, scratch-resistant windows for scientific instruments on spacecraft and satellites due to their hardness and clarity.

Timeless Seasons of Sapphires

Sapphires are much more than just beautiful gemstones—they are treasures of history and symbols of wisdom and protection. Their stunning range of colors, exceptional durability, and deep symbolism make them a favorite among collectors and enthusiasts alike. Whether you are drawn to their rich history, their unique formation, or their spiritual significance, sapphires offer a timeless allure that continues to captivate and inspire.

Are you a fan of sapphire? Let me know below and I hope you find something special to treat yourself or someone else.

Thanks for reading!

ox,

Heather Marie

heart . mind . soul

#liveyourcocoro