Blue Sapphire

All gem-quality corundum that is not red is called sapphire, yet this name is more associated with the color blue. The blue variety of corundum is called blue sapphire. The word sapphire in Latin also denotes blue color. Sapphire is not only blue in color but is yellow, orange and pink. Sapphire belongs to the corundum family. It is chemically brother of ruby.

Hardness: -7.0

Appearance:
Sapphire is mainly of blue color. It blue color is identified under sky blue and sea blue. Sky blue is more superior to sea blue. Sapphires can be very dark blue, to the point of seeming blackish from a distance. They may be a strong but not to bright blue, easily recognizable from a distance, this is being the ideal color. Like all corundum sapphire has good luster. Sapphires are generally given oval shape and less frequently round and mix cut. The cabochon shape is also used though less frequently than the past.

Occurrence:
The best sapphires were discovered in small quantity in Kashmir in India, which probably is now exhausted. Excellent quality sapphires are also found in Burma and Sri Lanka but in small quantity. Sapphires are also found in Thailand, Australia, Cambodia, Kenya and Brazil.

Value:
The finest stones weighing at least several carats are almost as valuable as diamonds and are very highly priced. This is true in case of Kashmir sapphire, many from Burma and some from sri-lanka and Thailand. But when the color becomes too dark blackish or greenish blue or a bit too pale the value falls sharply. Inclusions visible to naked eye also decreases the price of sapphires.

Astrology:
From the middle ages, sapphire has symbolized the tranquility of the heavens, bestowing peace and amiability upon the wearer, and suppressing wicked and impure thoughts.