Sapphire is a rare stone. Sapphire

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For most people who do not understand the intricacies jewelry art and gemology, stones are divided into categories: likes, dislikes and diamonds. But the latter are not always the most expensive. There are many factors that can affect the value of a particular stone, making it much more expensive than some crystalline carbons, such as a stone such as sapphire. Many are interested in whether sapphire is a precious stone or not?

Gold ring with sapphire

In order to figure out whether sapphire can be classified as precious stones, you must first highlight the characteristics that should be inherent in this type of minerals. There are many classifications that define this property, but the basic ones need to be distinguished from all of them. Gemstones are minerals, mostly crystals, that have a beautiful color or are colorless. At the same time, they have some degree of transparency, bright luster and hardness from 5 to 10 on the Mohs scale.

Also, the requirements for resistance to wear, light scattering, purity and uniformity of color are set for precious stones. Most of them are used for cutting. The value of precious stones should be determined by individual qualities, uniformity, purity and beauty of color, the size of the mineral, the complexity of the cut, and so on.

Characteristics of sapphire

Most of the properties that a gemstone should have are based on its physical characteristics. Sapphire belongs to corundum, which is a crystalline alumina. IN pure form they are transparent and colorless.

The most famous and common is blue, the color of corundum gives it titanium. In sapphires of a different color, iron is also present or predominate. The hardness of this material is very high, second only to diamond. Corundum is used as the standard for 9 on the Mohs scale.

Sapphire belongs to the same family as ruby ​​and is one of the densest minerals. Just like diamond, it has a symmetrical crystal lattice. Stone is formed in areas of rock where magma is introduced into limestones. Sapphire often has uneven coloration, which reduces its price. Usually sapphires are called not only blue stones, but also all corundums, except ruby.

There are deposits of sapphires on almost all continents. The leaders in the extraction of this precious mineral are Sri Lanka and Thailand. In addition, active mining is carried out in Australia, Brazil, Madagascar, and some African countries. In Russia, corundum is mined on the Kola Peninsula and in the Urals. In Europe, the leaders in the extraction of the mineral are France, Switzerland, Poland and the Czech Republic. In each deposit, sapphires have their own colors, so any specialist can determine the origin of the stone with the naked eye.

For example, Australian deposits give us black sapphires, which tend to become even darker under artificial lighting. Greenish sapphires are mined in Montana. One of the most ancient deposits is the island of Ceylon. The inhabitants of this island are considered its national stone. And in Sri Lanka, there are rare orange sapphires and even cat's eye sapphires. One of the largest stones was also mined here, it weighed about 19 kilograms.

Until the 19th century, all blue stones were called sapphires. Currently, these are only varieties of corundum, except for red. The most prized are Kashmir sapphires with a cornflower blue hue, as well as similar Burmese and Ceylon sapphires. Particularly popular are blue sapphires with a star pattern on the surface.

The popularity of the stone

Another property that distinguishes gemstones is the demand among wealthy people, as well as representatives of the families of monarchs. Sapphire is considered one of the stones of kings. It has traditionally been on many crowns. The most famous of these is the St. Edward's Sapphire, which adorns the pinnacle of the British Crown in the very center.

In the Russian Empire there is a stone weighing 200 carats, and twice as large was decorated with an Indian Maharaja. The Queen of the Netherlands owns a collection of sapphire jewelry, which includes: brooch, diadem, necklace, earrings, bracelet, pendant.

But now the most famous sapphire is in wedding ring. This ring was once an engagement gift from Prince Charles to Princess Diana. Now it adorns the finger of one of the most famous people modernity, a member of the royal family - Catherine Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge. It was also given to her as an engagement gift by her husband, Princess Diana's son, Prince William. The sapphire in the ring measures 10 x 8 mm and weighs 18 carats, it is set in gold and surrounded by 14 diamonds. Copies of this ring are in demand, they can be purchased in many stores around the world.

Jewelry with sapphires has always had a special value. For a long period of time, it was one of the most expensive stones, second only to a diamond in price. In ancient Rome, rings with cornflower blue sapphires were worn only by the priests of the temple of Jupiter; in India, the vestments of clergymen were decorated. Even in the crown of Cleopatra herself there were sapphires.

Price

The price is one of the fundamental criteria by which a stone can be classified as precious. What is the price of a sapphire?

The most expensive sapphire has a cornflower blue color. Its color is so pure that sometimes it is difficult to distinguish the shade. The cost varies from 300 to 1 thousand dollars per carat, depending on the processing method. Minerals that have not undergone thermal heating are much more valued - their price starts from 1 thousand dollars per carat.

Pendant with sapphire

Another valuable subspecies of the mineral is padparadscha. It is an orange crystal with a combination of purple and pink undertones. Its price is approximately $130 per carat. However, if its size exceeds 5 carats, then the stone is recognized as a collector's item and the cost increases, it can even reach tens of thousands of dollars per carat.

Yellow sapphire, depending on the processing, can have different shades, ranging from deep yellow to golden-light hue. The price varies from 100 to 120 dollars.

Slightly cheaper green sapphire. In fact, its color is not quite green, it combines streaks of yellow and blue flowers, so this shade is only an illusion. The price of such an unusual sapphire starts from $75.

But not only the color will affect the cost of the stone. If the materials are of poor quality, then they are used to form dome-shaped stones. Such options are budgetary, and their price ranges from several tens of dollars apiece.

The most expensive sapphire is the Millennium, which costs $185 million and weighs 61.5 thousand carats. Portraits of historical figures flaunt on the surface of this stone. He appeared in public twice: at the Oscars in 2002 and on a pleasure liner in 2004.

Another mineral that has a high cost is called the "Giant of the East". It weighs 486 carats and has been valued at $1.5 million. Stone blue color and is native to Sri Lanka.

Stone colors

The unique properties of sapphire are, among other things, in huge number shades. The different color of the stones appears due to the presence or absence of titanium and iron, as well as their ratio. All sapphires other than blue are called fancy sapphires. Some of them are dichroic, such as stones mined in Australia or Africa. They combine two colors: if you look along the crystals, they are dark blue, across - green.

As already mentioned, the color blue sapphire gives the presence of titanium inclusions, which was found out empirically when creating a synthetic stone. Yellow obtained in the presence of iron oxide. When heated, sapphire brightens, and its purple and yellow varieties lose color. Also, when heated, some varieties of sapphire can change their color, for example, from purple to pink. X-rays will make the coloring deeper and more intense, in this case even a colorless stone, which is most often found in nature, can get a color.

If chromium is present in the stone, then it has a red tint from pale pink to rich wine. They are called rubies. Iron and chromium create golden sapphires and orange ones.

The next feature of sapphire is asterism. This is such an optical property that gives the following effect - a star outline appears in the center of the crystal. Such stones are called "star-shaped". The largest "star" sapphire was discovered in 1966 and weighed 12 kilograms.

Sapphire is a stone that has adorned the symbols of royal power since ancient times and was endowed with many mystical properties. It belongs to the group of precious stones mined from hard rocks, and for many centuries conquers people with its unique beauty. Many people ask if this stone is precious or semi-precious. Along with natural emerald and ruby, the generally accepted classification, of course, classifies it among the precious gems, the cost of which is often considerable.

Story

The origin of the name of these stones is still disputed. According to some historians, the word "sapphire" comes from the language of ancient Babylon from "spiru", which means "scratching". It is the hardness of sapphire, most likely, that became the reason for such a name. Another, more poetic version, traces the origin of the word to the ancient Indian language, to the word "caniprya" (beloved by Saturn). In Hellas, "sappheiros" was the name for all dark blue gemstones. There are other names of sapphires in history. So, until the 19th century in Russia they were called azure yahonts, lapis lazuli.

The most famous sapphire jewels, adorned with large and pure stones, belong to the ruling dynasties of Europe and Asia. The brooch, which belonged to an Indian maharajah, was made from a 4,000 carat gem. The orb of the Russian emperors is adorned with a half-sized stone. Since ancient times, the sapphire gemstone means the direct relationship of its owner to power and control. big amount of people.

Large blue stone 167 carats, which the cutters gave the shape of a rose, adorns the crown of the British Empire. The cut of sapphires can be different. For example, another world-famous jewel belonging to the English royal family is the engagement ring of Princess Diana, which is now worn by the Duchess of Cambridge, nee Kate Middleton. The ring is set with an oval Ceylon corundum surrounded by diamonds. By the way, sapphires were generally one of the favorite stones of Lady Dee, who adored all shades of dark blue.

The collection of the Orange dynasty, ruling in the Netherlands, included parure, which included massive jewelry trimmed with sapphires and diamonds. Now many of the decorations from this set have been redesigned into more modern ones.

The tradition of decorating the jewels of rulers with corundum comes from ancient times. According to legend, these beautiful stones were inserted into the crown of Cleopatra herself.

Characteristics

Now all corundums are called sapphires, with the exception of those that have a red color (rubies). From the point of view of chemistry, the description of the stone is as follows: sapphire is a mineral almost entirely composed of aluminum oxide. It has a glassy luster and one of the highest strength ratings on the Mohs scale (the table indicates a number of 9 points). Only is considered a harder mineral. Clarity and clarity of sapphire may vary. There are both transparent stones, different in purity, and absolutely opaque gems.

Some corundums are characterized by such a phenomenon as asterism - the appearance of a star with six or twelve rays on the surface of the stone. This feature occurs in minerals that have rutile inclusions, using the cutting method, which is called "cabochon". costs more than others.

Mining

Sapphire is a stone whose deposits are found on all continents except Antarctica. The most valuable and beautiful of them are minerals from India and Tanzania. Ceylon is also a popular place where sapphire is mined. In India, the Kashmir deposit was discovered after an earthquake that exposed the richest deposits of sapphires of amazingly pure, cornflower blue color. This shade is considered the reference for blue corundum. Ceylon stone and gems from Burma are approaching him. Now the development of the Kashmir deposit has been stopped.

In Tanzania, two types of stones are mined, which have received a separate name. Songea and Tunduru are the names of the deposits, which have also become the names of the sapphires mined there. Songea - more often green or reddish stones, among which there are many minerals with the effect of asterism. It is believed that these corundums have the richest color palette. Interesting feature songea - striking purity, combined with small size. A 2-carat songea is already a rarity. Tunduru is the only deposit in Tanzania where blue-colored minerals are mined.

Stones from the island of Ceylon (Sri Lanka) are known not only for their quality, but also for their rare properties. Minerals are often mined there that can show asterism after a suitable cut or change color under certain conditions. They often become collection items in their own right, without being included in the jewelry.

Properties

Sapphire is a stone that has been attributed to magical properties, largely related to colors. So, minerals, whose main shade is blue, were associated in different civilizations with divine power and authority.

This precious gem has always served as a worthy decoration for the vestments of the clergy in India and Judea. In the Roman Empire, only priests of the supreme deity of the pantheon, Jupiter, could wear jewelry with them. In these religions, sapphire, whose properties were especially valued by the high priests of the Roman pantheons, personified calmness and a penchant for contemplation. In the countries of the Ancient East, this stone has always been spoken of as a carrier of wisdom, and in Europe - modesty and virtue.

Astrologers believe that sapphire is associated with Jupiter and Saturn, and recommend it to the signs of the air and fire elements. For Leos and Sagittarius, wearing these stones will bring stability, help curb irrepressible energy and negative character traits. Unstable Aquarius and Libra sapphires give peace, self-knowledge and confidence. Useful sapphire for Pisces.

Previously believed in. It was believed that a lady who wanted to attract the attention of her lover needed to drink him from dishes inlaid with corundum. And the properties of the stone associated with the manifestation of asterism were considered the embodiment of Faith, Hope and Love.

Price

The cost of a stone is determined by four indicators, which in English-speaking countries are called the rule of four Cs (Colour, Clarity, Cut, Carat weight):

• sapphire color;
• the purity of the stone;
• cut;
• carat weight.

These characteristics of sapphire together determine its value. The most important of these is considered color as a decisive indicator of the quality and the possibility of using a stone in jewelry.

Now these stones, so beloved by the august persons, occupy a worthy place in the catalogs of the largest jewelry houses. Regardless of whether the piece of jewelry uses a classic or innovative combination of metals and stones, sapphires will emphasize the refined taste and style of their owner.

How to choose?

When choosing a stone, it is important not to stumble upon a fake made of glass or other material that unscrupulous dealers can pass off as an expensive natural gem. How to choose the right sapphire? It can be difficult to do this, especially if the buyer is new to the jewelry business and understands little about the essence of the issue. However, some tips are still worth following.

The main physical characteristic of a mineral is its hardness. You can try to scratch it a little, without fear that the indignation of the sellers will have consequences because of this simple check, which can be decisive. This is often done, and if, when a stone is scratched with a pointed object, traces appear on it, then it is a fake. Of course, it is not a fact that the seller will be satisfied, but you can try.

What does a sapphire look like if it is real? Usually the structure of a natural mineral is heterogeneous, which is clearly shown by bright light. If the stone inside is suspiciously uniform in color and has no roughness, most likely it is a fake. It is also important to keep in mind that the colors of sapphire and even its structure can be imitated using some other, cheaper natural stone. This means that you need to increase your vigilance. Moreover, there are many cases when specially colored tourmalines are often given out for expensive types of sapphires.

In specialized gemological laboratories, there are special chemical solutions, thanks to which it is possible to determine a fake with much greater accuracy. It is best to consult with familiar jewelers before buying, if they exist, and you should buy jewelry in trusted places.

Sapphire stone: properties, who suits the zodiac sign, and who does not? Such questions are relevant not only for those who plan to purchase jewelry inlaid with this stone in the near future, but also for those who are simply delighted appearance sapphire and its characteristics.

Gorgeous sapphire jewelry

Magic stones of blue and cornflower blue color have long been familiar to mankind. Wearing sapphire was allowed only to those who had power and decided the fate of people. For this reason, crowns were often encrusted with a gem, it was believed that a blue crystal would make the ruler wise and fair.

Stone characteristics

Sapphire is a type of corundum, it is classified as precious stones along with diamonds, rubies, emeralds and alexandrites. According to its characteristics, it is not much inferior to diamond, the hardness of the stone is estimated at 9 points on the Mohs scale.

The history of sapphire is very interesting, it has been known to mankind for a long time, it is difficult to say in which language the word "sapphire" first appeared.

There are many legends that this gem is shrouded in. Sapphire is a stone that people invariably associated with wealth and power, they said that the mineral is fraught with the power of the sky, the power of Zeus. He is ruled by Jupiter. The blue color of the stone only added to its mystery. There is a legend that says that blue corundum is nothing but a frozen elixir of immortality. God turned this drink of eternal life and youth into stone so that no one could use it.

The properties of sapphire attracted people, but not everyone could seize the wisdom and experience of this mineral.

If we talk about history, then King Solomon had a sapphire seal. Jewelry inlaid with blue corundum was loved by Princess Diana. She had impeccable taste and always chose exquisite jewelry inlaid with this particular stone. Most of the items that Diana owned were inherited by her son's wife. Kate Middleton has become the happy owner of a ring encrusted with pink sapphire. It was this decoration that Prince Charles presented to Diana on the day of her engagement.

By the way, sapphire stone is not only blue, the palette of shades of this mineral is quite diverse. In nature, corundums of various shades can be found, and only red crystals are called rubies.

The separation took place in the 19th century, it was at this time that blue corundums began to be called sapphires, and red corundums - rubies. But not only blue and cornflower blue minerals are called sapphire. It was awarded to all corundums, which are orange, green and even black.

A flawless sapphire is a rarity in the world of jewelers; this stone has a bright blue color, is distinguished by the absence of defects and a large size. But not only the size and absence of defects make corundum unique, some gems become special due to the fact that they are rare in nature. An example is an orange-pink sapphire called padparadscha.

Ring with white sapphire

However, even those gems that do not differ in a rare color are still expensive. There are not so many precious stones, and they all became such for one reason - they are mined in limited quantities.

Along with diamonds, rubies, emeralds and alexandrites, cornflower blue sapphire is rarely found in nature. Large-sized crystals are very expensive, they are difficult to find in a store or boutique. Such stones are put up for auction, where rich and famous buyers compete for them.

Place of Birth

There are only a few countries that are engaged in the extraction of corundum on an industrial scale. Among this list is Russia. On the territory of our country, small crystals are mined, they are of good quality.

In addition to Russia, sapphires are mined in a number of countries.

• Australia is rich not only in deposits of corundum, but also in fancy-colored diamonds.
• In Sri Lanka, the extraction of orange-pink gems called padparadscha.
• The most valuable are sapphires mined in Kashmir (India). Kashmiri corundums, different bright shade and high quality.
• Minerals are found in the United States. They are mined in limited quantities, only in a few states.

Fake or alternative?

The properties of the sapphire stone make it unique. As you know, demand creates supply, and in order to cope with the shortage, humanity began to ennoble stones. Technologies have long been known that allowed changing the color of sapphires, making them bright and attractive to buyers.

Naturally, in nature, stones are most often found that have no color at all or differ in a slightly pronounced shade. Such a sapphire is relatively inexpensive, in order to increase its value, experts subject the crystals to processing. They heat them to a certain temperature, which allows you to give the gem a bright and rich shade.

In addition, after processing, sapphires can acquire the effect of asterism, such stones are called star-shaped, since a star is hidden in their structure.

Inclusions with rays receding to the side resemble a celestial body. In sapphire, such inclusions look especially impressive.

Stones that have gone through the process of refining cannot be called a fake. After all, this is still the same sapphire, it’s just that the shade was bestowed not by nature, but by the hand of man. Not only temperature, but also radiation can change the crystal.

Such stones in terms of characteristics are no different from their counterparts, which were discovered in the bowels of the earth. Even an experienced jeweler cannot recognize the creation of human hands.

However, ennobled sapphires are still stones that were created by Mother Nature and slightly “finished” by specialists. But on the market you can find crystals that were created in the laboratory and have nothing to do with precious stones.

To recognize such "gems" will help assess their structure. The stone must be examined under a magnifying glass, and if inclusions (gas bubbles, small dots) can be found in the structure, this means that the sapphire is of natural origin. It was found in the thickness of the rock, and not created within the walls of the laboratory.

star sapphire

magical and medicinal properties possess only those crystals that were mined in the bowels of the earth.

magical properties

The meaning of the sapphire stone is known to magicians and sorcerers, they have studied the properties of the mineral for many years and came to the following conclusions:

1. Blue corundum will help to cope with doubts.
2. Will endow the owner with wisdom and tranquility.
3. Helps improve family relationships.
4. It will be a good amulet for travelers.
5. Learn to subdue people.

Doubts, disagreements and even disputes violate the spiritual harmony of a person. The stone has the ability to dispel doubts and resolve disputes. It can help you find meaning in life or set a goal. The crystal accumulates energy and directs it in the right direction.

It has been proven by magic that sapphire is able to endow a person with calmness and wisdom. It neutralizes negativity and changes the worldview of the owner. Helps him to take a philosophical look at problems and difficulties.

Corundum in its properties is a good talisman for the family. It helps to restore a good relationship to establish contact between spouses. If we talk about pink sapphires, they are perceived as a symbol of fidelity. If you present such an ornament to the bride as a gift, then she will wait for her beloved and will never betray him.

In the old days, blue crystals were taken with them by explorers and travelers. They believed that the stone would save them from difficulties on the road and help them return home.

Sapphire is a symbol of power, it can make the wearer a leader. The stone will teach a person to lead or rule. He will endow him with wisdom and the ability to make decisions, acting not only in his own interests, but also in the interests of other people.

But not only magicians and esotericists valued the gem for its properties. Astrologers also admired the mineral, although, in their opinion, it does not suit all signs of the zodiac.

Who suits sapphire according to the zodiac sign, and who does not? According to astrologers, the mineral has favorites, among them are:

1. Aquarius.
2. Sagittarius.

Aquarius is the sign of the zodiac whose element is air. By nature, they are very emotional, they live by feelings and at the same time are afraid of responsibility. Children's behavior of Aquarius attracts people who are not distinguished by good intentions. Sapphire will endow the representative of this sign with wisdom, teach them to cope with responsibility and emotions. Under the influence of the stone, Aquarius will grow up, he will learn to be responsible for his words and deeds, he will be able to make real friends and get rid of ill-wishers.

Sagittarians, whose element is fire, are very energetic. Representatives of this sign literally gush with ideas. It is difficult for them to concentrate and direct their energy in a certain direction. Sapphire will help Sagittarius to make right choice, to cope with emotions and indefatigable energy, to understand yourself.

But among the 12 signs of the zodiac there are those for whom the mineral is not suitable. Wearing jewelry inlaid with sapphire is not recommended for Capricorns. By nature, they are endowed with a certain wisdom and tranquility. Blue corundum will not make Capricorn even wiser, it will plunge him into depression, make him apathetic and indifferent to everything that happens.

Ring with yellow sapphire

It is worth noting that the stone will help all other signs of the zodiac. But sapphire does not like dishonest people, deceivers and liars. It will become a good talisman for those who are distinguished by nobility and the ability to take care of their neighbor.

Medicinal properties

People wearing a sapphire-encrusted pendant on their chest need not worry about the state of the heart and blood vessels. And also the stone has a positive effect on the endocrine system.

But not only the heart and metabolism are affected by a blue crystal, it helps in the treatment of insomnia and mental disorders. In order for the gem to relieve sleep disorders and nightmares, it should be placed under the pillow before going to bed.

But mainly the mineral affects mental condition person. It enhances his intellectual abilities. Gives the owner a thirst for life, teaches to cope with neurosis and depression.

And sapphire is the stone of those people who live long. It protects the wearer from brain diseases, helps to maintain clarity of mind until old age and live a long and happy life.

Modern medicine casts doubt on the ability of minerals in the treatment of certain diseases, but the experience of ancestors proves the opposite.

Jewels inlaid with sapphires are chosen for centuries. They become family heirlooms and are passed down from generation to generation. Goods like fine wine become more and more expensive every year.

This is the stone of kings. Sapphire adorns the crown of the Russian Empire and the crown of the British monarch. On the finger of Kate Middleton flaunts a ring with a blue sapphire weighing 1.8 carats, surrounded by 14 diamonds. The jewel once belonged to Princess Diana. The ring was chosen in honor of the engagement. The world knows several famous stones, which have even been given their own names. All of them are deep in color, pleasant shade, as well as clean and large. Often they were stolen, but invariably the sapphire comes back. It is believed that even after the sale, he keeps in touch with his owners and helps them from a distance. This stone belongs to the first order, in terms of price, beauty and popularity it can only compete with.

They say that a large sapphire was even in the crown of Cleopatra. The precious stone was revered at all times and by all peoples. Some ideas about sapphire that have survived to this day:

1. This is still a sign of goodness, friendship, selflessness and mutual assistance, since shades of blue in Indian beliefs are the color of a traveling soul. A blue gem will be a guide to eternity. They inlaid bowls and goblets, because this stone is able to purify any dirty water, make it extraordinarily tasty.
2. It was believed that muddy stones that have internal defects are cursed, so they should not be used as amulets and it is better to get rid of them altogether.
3. According to Buddhist legend, under the light of the polar star there is a pyramid of shining stones. The sapphire side is facing people, so we see the blue sky.
4. For Jews, it symbolizes justice. The penultimate step of the ladder that leads to heaven is made of it.
5. In Rome and Egypt it was a symbol of justice. A seeker of justice should wear a sapphire jewelry. This will protect from evil people who are trying to harm.

There is a legend in Ceylon about the origin of sapphires. In ancient times, the gods lived on Mount Kailash. People, coming to its foot, worshiped them. Once the believers prayed so sincerely, asking the gods to appear that they had mercy. Brahma took the bowl with the immortal drink and splashed it around the world. Where the drink touched the ground, blue jewels appeared. Since then, it has been called the stone of heaven, and the monks adorn themselves with it, as if bearing the seal of a god.

At all times sapphires were worn by priests and rulers as a symbol of hope, tranquility, divine power and supreme justice.

Physicochemical characteristics

It is also called corundum. The composition is alumina, aluminum oxide. It is customary for people to consider only bright blue minerals as sapphires, but in fact, almost all colors are found and they all belong to sapphires. It stands out separately. According to its properties, it is also corundum, but it is separated into a separate group.

Pure corundum is colorless, but impurities of chromium, manganese, iron, titanium give a variety of shades. When heated, it tends to change colors. Pale purples fade and dark purples turn pink. Under the influence of x-rays, sapphires also change color, becoming brighter.

The properties are described in the table:

Sapphire is used in many areas of activity:

1. Jewelry industry. They are decorated not only with royal tiaras, but also rings, pendants, brooches, and earrings accessible to many.
2. Medicine. Artificial eye lenses, braces, joint implants are made from sapphire.
3. Aviation and rocket science. It is made from extremely durable glass.
4. Instrumentation. Microchip substrates are made from sapphire.
5. In construction, it is used as an insulating material.

And that is not all. Emery is sapphire chips, bearings in watches are also sapphires. But natural reserves of stone are exhaustible. In industry, artificial crystals are used, which are identical in properties to natural ones, but do not have defects. In jewelry, only natural is still valued.

Deposits and production

There are few sapphire deposits. And in which gems of gem quality are mined, you can count on the fingers.

One of the most famous locations is in India, in Kashmir. Sapphire from here is distinguished by an unusual cornflower blue color. Many epithets are chosen for him: sleepy, hazy, velvet. This effect was formed due to microscopic cavities filled with water. The deposits are located at high altitude and people still extract this mineral as in the XIX, crushing the ore with hand tools, working in a mine at a depth of 10 meters. it has been mined here for a long time and the deposit has almost exhausted itself, so the price of real Kashmiri stone is growing. And what was mined in the last century is re-cut and resold many times from collection to collection, only growing in price.

The color of the Kashmiri sapphire is considered the standard, all others are described only in comparison with it. For example, sapphires from Burma have a darker and more saturated color, while those from Sri Lanka are paler, sometimes colorless.

Sri Lanka is valued not only for. Here they find pinkish-orange, which are called padparadscha, as well as stellate. The deposits are already 2000 years old. Mining is done by hand: the ore is carried in large baskets, and the precious stones are washed with water.

In Thailand, green or Siamese sapphires are mined. Thailand occupies one of the first places in terms of production. This is where the Jewel of the Jungle comes from - the record holder in weight (958 carats). This is the purest and brightest blue sapphire.

magical properties

Sapphire is the stone of autumn and the soul. Star-shaped corundums have special power. A star shimmers on their opaque surface. Mystics value the three-beam as a symbol of the trinity: faith, hope, love, the three faces of God, etc.

Magic properties:

1. Symbol of power. He assigns roles. The one with the sapphire is at the top and controls the rest.
2. Helps to distinguish truth from lies.
3. Enhances masculinity.
4. Cheers, pleases, strengthens the nervous system.
5. With its reflective abilities, it redirects the evil eye and witchcraft to the one who sent it.
6. Warns of danger.
7. Protects against negative consequences envy.
8. This stone symbolizes wisdom. He endows the owner with calmness and fortitude, which contributes to development.
9. Able to attract friends to the owner, as well as ward off enemies.
10. Helps to accumulate internal energy and find harmony.

When choosing a talisman, one must take into account that the effect of a stone in different settings will be different. Jewelry in silver heals, bestows calmness, restraint, composure and common sense. Sapphire in gold exudes determination and courage. This is an amulet for victory.

Sapphire stone used to be taken with you on a trip. Put under the tongue, he helped to cope with thirst. Sapphire kept sailors from death in a shipwreck. For example, one of the passengers of the Titanic told that it did not let her drown.

Energy depends on the color of the stone:

1. Yellow sapphire attracts inspiration, so it is suitable for creators. family life he will make harmonious and full of mutual understanding. This mineral accumulates positive energy inside itself, and then gives it to its owner at the right time. When stress, depression or Bad mood torment a person, sapphire radiates goodness. But this property makes it unsuitable for permanent wear. Sooner or later, the crystal will run out of goodness and begin to accumulate negativity.
2. Cold shades treat: strengthen eyesight and heal cardiovascular diseases. Blue has the most power.
3. Blue star sapphire means love. It helps to find and keep bright feelings. It should belong to scientists and everyone who is engaged in mental work, who wants to learn a lot of new things and explore the world. It clears the mind, making learning easy. Sapphire is able to point the right path of life to a confused person.
4. Black sapphire will protect from enemies. All evil machinations will be broken against a stone without harming a person. He does not let men give up, he makes them believe in themselves.

Sapphire can become a love spell. A stone of any shade must be put in a glass of wine, covered with your palms with thoughts of a loved one, then go to sleep holding the image in your head. Then this wine is given to drink to the object of passion.

In astrology, the sapphire stone is the talisman of the zodiac sign Taurus, Aquarius. Taurus get from him a joyful mood and optimism. The zodiac sign Aquarius develops intuition with him.

Medicinal properties

Sapphire grown in a laboratory is used in medicine, replacing parts of the human body. Sapphire jewelry has the following healing properties:

1. Promotes the restoration of human cardiac activity.
2. Purifies the skin, treating acne, eczema.
3. Relieves diseases of the urinary tract.
4. Treats diabetes.
5. Restores hearing.
6. Helps recovery after heart attacks and strokes.
7. Treats headaches.
8. Improves eyesight.
9. Soothes, eliminates depression and insomnia.

Most of these statements came from ancient times. Now people's faith in the power of stones has weakened. But in any case, the deep velvety color of the stone with tints of blue and the play of light in the edges can soothe and pacify. And with this, pain, depression, nervous disorders and other concomitant diseases will pass.

How to spot a fake

Most modern stones are of artificial origin. This is not fake. But the seller must be honest about the origin of the stone, so it's best to ask for a certificate if in doubt. It is difficult to distinguish such a stone. Indirect evidence may be the absence of defects inside the stone and an unnatural saturated shade. Natural minerals are rarely perfect.

On sale there are doublets and triplets. This is a thin plate pasted on a base made of cheaper material. The edge is most often closed with a massive frame. You can identify such a fake by carefully examining the stone under a strong magnifying glass. When magnified, the borders of the gluing are visible.

Cheaper outright fakes are glass, plastic or cheap semi-precious stones.

You can define fraud as follows:

1. Sapphire is a stone that is second only in strength, therefore it is not afraid of scratches. You can scratch the surface of the stone with a needle.
2. Sapphire has sharp clear edges. Leaves a scratch on the glass.
3. In ultraviolet light casts greenish reflections, and natural white.

Sapphires of natural origin are an expensive stone. If a gemstone comparable to is sold cheap, then you should think about it. It's most likely an imitation.

Sapphire stone care

It is difficult to spoil a sapphire, but it is possible. First of all, strong blows must be avoided. For example, the stone on the British crown once fell very damaged. But everything ended well, and it was restored.

Care rules are typical for many stones:

• stored separately from other jewelry in a soft bag or box;
• do not allow temperature differences and high humidity;
• do not keep in the sun for a long time;
• clean by special means or plain water. Abrasive cleaning is best avoided as this will damage the frame;
• avoid interaction with chemicals.

If the stone is properly cared for and carefully stored, it can become a family heirloom and be inherited for centuries.

Sapphire is a wonderful royal stone. It cannot be worn everyday, it is too beautiful for this and has great power. So that the mineral does not harm, it is necessary to choose a high-quality natural stone.

Instruction

Sapphire is a type of corundum, a mineral that is aluminum oxide. It has a strong brilliance and high strength, which is only slightly inferior to diamond. For this reason, this stone is considered simply created for cutting. The melting point of sapphire is 2040°C.

The color range of this gem varies from light blue to almost black. There are also instances of pink, orange, yellow and green in nature. However, their value is not particularly high. However, as well as light blue and black sapphire.

Sapphires are mined in a limited number of places on earth. Almost 80% comes from Australia, the minerals are dark blue in color, which appear black under artificial lighting. They are considered the most inexpensive, unlike Kashmiri stones, which have a unique cornflower blue hue. According to experts, having seen it once mined in Kashmir (India), it can never be confused with another mineral. These gemstones are highly valued on the market, with particularly large specimens selling for millions of dollars at auctions.

The cost of sapphires mined in Sri Lanka and Burma is also high. Burmese minerals are characterized by rich Blue colour with a slight ultramarine tint. And sapphires from Sri Lanka are distinguished by a paler color with pronounced dichroism. However, in both crystals, one can often notice inclusions of white needles (“silk”) that catch light when the stone rotates. If such a "silk" is visible in a sapphire with the naked eye, the value of the stone is reduced. The only exception is the case when white needles form the shape of a star.

Not so long ago, sapphire deposits were discovered in the US state of Montana. Minerals mined there are distinguished by a grayish metallic luster. The color range of American sapphires can vary from light blue and turquoise to cornflower blue. Sapphires are also mined in Thailand.

Small to medium-sized natural sapphires are often heat-treated for refinement. This method allows you to change the intensity, remove unnecessary shades or eliminate "silk". Australian sapphires are especially hardened. Thanks to this procedure, their color becomes lighter. During cutting, cracks are removed in the stone. Large specimens of sapphires, as a rule, are not subjected to heat treatment, since their value is greatly reduced in this case.

The price of such a precious stone depends on the place of its extraction, size, shade, purity, structure. The cost of large sapphires usually starts at $ 1,000 per carat. There are cases when such minerals were sold for millions of dollars. Medium sized sapphires typically sell for $300-600 per carat. And very small specimens (less than 0.5 carats) can be bought for $ 10-20, especially if they have a lot of different inclusions.

Currently on the market for sale a large number of products with high-quality synthetic sapphires, which can sometimes be distinguished from natural ones only by an experienced jeweler. Moreover, a fake is especially difficult to detect if the stone is in a closed frame - then the refractometer displays the indicators characteristic of natural sapphire.

As a setting for sapphire, jewelers usually use silver or White gold, whose color is in perfect harmony with the cold shades of the stone. With this combination, the mineral looks especially advantageous. However, in stores you can also buy products with sapphire in yellow or rose gold.