Here are 10 fun facts about sapphires:
Variety of Colors: Sapphires are not just blue! While blue is the most common color, sapphires can also be found in a range of other colors including yellow, pink, green, purple, and even colorless.
Corundum Family: Sapphires are a type of corundum, which is a mineral composed of aluminum oxide. The only other gemstone in the corundum family is ruby, which is essentially a red sapphire.
Mohs Hardness Scale: Sapphires rank a 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, making them the second hardest natural mineral (only slightly softer than diamond). This makes them incredibly durable for everyday wear.
Durability in History: Throughout history, sapphires have been revered as symbols of purity and wisdom. They were often used in medieval times as a talisman to protect the wearer from harm and evil.
Star Sapphires: One of the most unique types of sapphires is the star sapphire, which exhibits a star-like, six-ray pattern across its surface. This effect is caused by inclusions of needle-like minerals within the sapphire that reflect light.
Star Sapphire Mines: The most famous star sapphire mines are in Sri Lanka and Thailand. These mines are the primary sources of high-quality star sapphires, which are highly prized in the gem market.
Astrological Significance: In astrology, sapphires are associated with the planet Saturn and are believed to bring protection, mental clarity, and wisdom. They are commonly worn as birthstones for September and are believed to bring good fortune to those born in that month.
The Star of India: One of the most famous star sapphires, known as the Star of India, weighs over 530 carats and is part of the collection at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City.
Synthetic Sapphires: Sapphires can be artificially produced in laboratories, a process that involves melting and re-crystallizing aluminum oxide. These lab-grown sapphires are identical to natural sapphires in appearance and chemical composition but are much more affordable.
Cultural Symbolism: In many cultures, sapphires are believed to bring good fortune, wisdom, and clarity to the wearer. They are often associated with royalty and are traditionally gifted to brides due to their purity and protective properties.