All about sapphires

When we hear about sapphire, most people think of a large blue stone, the edges of which shimmer with incredible brilliance in the sun. However, sapphire can be yellow, green, pink or colorless. Such rare specimens are found in nature: she took care of the variety, not the hand of the jeweler. And although the colors of the mineral may differ, the formula of the stone is the same, only the impurities in it differ.

It is no coincidence that this jeweler king, as the sapphire is sometimes called, was named so. It is known that he adorned the crown of the Russian Empire, he also flaunts on the crown of British monarchs. It is not for nothing that royals prefer sapphires to many stones: for example, in photographs you can often see princess Kate Middleton with a large gem on her finger (albeit in a diamond setting). This ring was once worn by Lady Dee, known for her exquisite taste.

Sapphires are stones worthy of becoming heroes of TV series and books, because famous people who often wore them called the stones by their proper names. They were often stolen, but, surprisingly, the jewelry, the value of which is impressive, was returned to its owner. They say that the mineral, even after the sale, does not break ties with its previous owners.

The sapphire looks so that there are no questions left: it deserves to be on a par with diamonds. And in the price ratio too. It is believed that there were sapphires in Cleopatra's crown as well.It is all the more interesting that their veneration goes back many centuries.

Here are some interesting stories about him that have come down to our times.

• In India, this gem is considered a sign of disinterested friendship and good deeds, a blue gem is a guide to eternity. It is not for nothing that they tried to inlay cups and other drinking containers with sapphire: it was believed that he was able to purify any water.
• Ancient people thought that faulty cloudy sapphires were cursed because they were not used by amulets.
• Jews consider the mineral to be a symbol of justice - the last step of the staircase leading to heaven is made of this stone.
• In Egypt and Rome, the theme of justice associated with sapphire was also seen - it was not for nothing that stones were considered a symbol of justice. Anyone who seeks justice should have worn jewelry with this stone. It is interesting that the tradition of giving sapphires to lawyers has not yet completely gone down in history: many representatives of this profession know about such an association and try to wear sapphires for professional success.

For several centuries, these stones were also worn by clergymen. They considered sapphire a symbol of tranquility, hope, good thoughts and the same higher justice. This description gives the stone a positive energy, which many want to feed on.

Another name for sapphire, which mineralogists use more often, is corundum. By its composition, it is alumina, aluminum oxide. It is interesting that the ruby ​​is also corundum, but nevertheless they are used to distinguishing it into another group. If we are talking about pure corundum, then it will be a colorless mineral. But when impurities of chromium, iron, manganese, titanium are found in it, it becomes clear why the stone can be of different shades. It is curious that the stone is, in a sense, a chameleon: it "knows" how to change colors when heated.

If the corundum was pale purple or yellow, heating it discolored, and if it was dark purple, close to cornflower blue, heating made it pink.

Description of the types of sapphire.

• Navy blue. This is the most common option. In the jewelry industry, blue shades of sapphire without inclusions are especially in demand. They are expensive as they are very rare. The cut also raises the price, thanks to which the blue stone becomes a rich dark blue. Dark blue stones, according to esotericists, bring good luck and wealth.
• Blue. It is considered the most valuable. There is a large deposit of these stones in India. It is believed that blue sapphire can increase a person's self-esteem and should be worn by those for whom it is important to advance their ideas. They also believe that this stone helps a person in clairvoyance.
• Cabochon. This emerald, which is also corundum, is considered a close relative of blue sapphire. Unfortunately, these stones are often counterfeited.

These are not all sapphire varieties. There is also a pink, very rare stone, which has the properties, like a magnet, to attract into a person's life what he desires. But there is a danger: the wrong formulation of desires leads to unexpected consequences. There is also a black sapphire, which is considered to be the most powerful amulet that can bring you out of a deep depression. White sapphire, very reminiscent of a diamond, is called a symbol of pure love, therefore lovers often give it to each other. Green sapphire helps to relieve vision problems.

It is impossible not to mention such a famous sapphire as the millennium. It is also called the sapphire of the millennium. The stone costs about 180 million dollars, and its length is 28 cm. Sapphire was found about 20 years ago in Madagascar. Until it was processed, it weighed about 90 thousand carats. Historical figures are carved on the stone by craftsmen.

The geography of sapphire deposits is not so wide. And one must understand that not all sapphires are of gem quality.The largest natural sapphire deposit is located in Kashmir, India. The stones found there have a special, soft cornflower blue color. Sometimes such a stone is called sleepy, smoky, as if surrounded by warm drag.

Since the sapphire deposits are located very high in nature, the technology of its extraction has hardly left the methods that were used in the 19th century. Workers still use hand tools, and it is a tremendous effort to crush in search of the stone. Since the work in this field has been going on for a very long time, its reserves are running out.

Sapphires mined in Burma do not have the same light, brightness, they are darker. But sapphires from Sri Lanka are more faded in comparison with Kashmir ones. But Sri Lanka also has its own values, which are hunted by those who know a lot about stones: pink-orange (paparaja) sapphires, and also star-shaped varieties of stone can be found only here. These deposits have been known since the time of Christ. And here the stones continue to be mined by hand.

In Thailand, Siamese sapphires are mined. This country is one of the world leaders in the extraction of stones. Connoisseurs of precious stones have probably heard of "Jewels of the Jungle" - this is a famous sapphire, weighing 958 carats, it is considered the brightest and purest.

I must say that the division of sapphires is also relative to the naturalness of the stone. There are natural sapphires, and there are synthetic ones. In the middle of the last century, scientists synthesized sapphire for the first time, and since then this business has taken on a large scale. There are no natural inclusions in artificial stones. But only a specialist can recognize the differences. But a huge number of buyers who purchase artificial sapphire under the guise of natural, expect to get its natural properties together with the stone.

But can these properties be synthesized? In full, certainly not.

Characteristics of sapphire in the physical and chemical aspect:

• Class - oxides;
• density - 4 g / cm3;
• hardness - 9 points on the Mohs scale;
• fragility - refers to non-fragile stones;
• transparency - from transparent to opaque;
• Colour - blue, cyan, yellow, purple, orange.

The first and main place of application of the stone is the jewelry industry. Not only items of incredible beauty and value are decorated with sapphires, but ordinary rings, earrings, brooches made of precious stones (but available to the average consumer) can also be decorated with sapphires. Also, the physical and chemical properties of the stone make it possible to use it in medicine. For example, an artificial lens for a visual analyzer can be made of sapphire. Tooth braces are also sometimes decorated with this gem. Sapphires are also used in joint implants.

Glass of special strength can be made from stone, which is often used in the aviation and rocketry field. Instrumentation is also not complete without the use of precious stones - in particular, substrates for microcircuits are made of sapphire. Maybe you didn't know that emery is nothing more than a sapphire crumb, and that the bearings in watches are also sapphires.

If you have heard such a name as "the stone of heaven", then for sure it referred to the sapphire. In a number of cultures, it is a symbol of justice, accuracy, justice, truth and a good beginning. It was not in vain that it was not only worn by priests, but also used to decorate important parts of the temple. It was believed that the mineral allows a person to come to God, to feel the divine principle, to merge with him.

Since sapphires, if we speak in the aspect of esotericism, have the properties of passing energy through themselves with its subsequent purification, they were often used in meditation. The stone has a strong, but calm energy. Sapphire is said to be able to pacify passions. It can be recommended to be worn by people who are in mental confusion, chaos, unable to make an important life decision.

Cases are described when sapphires were advised to be worn by women who were unfaithful to their husbands. And these ladies abandoned vicious passion, pacified it, returned to the family and gained peace of mind.

What magical properties of the stone are described in more detail in the special literature.

• Power symbol. It is believed that this stone is fair, wise and very accurately assigns roles. And if a worthy person has a sapphire, it helps him to get to power and be useful at this height. He seems to feed the energy of the one who really deserves to rule. But if this power is thirsty for an unjust, greedy person, the stone will reduce the supply of his mental strength.
• A symbol of truth. If a person has a guess that he is being deceived, he should buy a small piece of jewelry with a sapphire - it seems to raise the level of intuition, and the answers to the questions come on their own.
• Enhances masculinity. Despite the fact that the recognized beauties preferred sapphires, this stone cannot be called purely feminine. If a man will wear it with due respect (and the energy of stones exists, believe it or not), he will help him to use his masculinity correctly.
• Strengthens self-confidence, cheers up... This also intersects with the recommendations to wear stones for people who are depressed, experiencing a whole series of stress. If such a period has come in your life, jewelry with sapphires, braces or even watches with details from this stone can return interest in life, adjust to the required energy flow.
• Hints about danger. And this amazing property was also noted in the stone - probably, it can be associated with increased intuition, which, to a certain extent, is provided by wearing items with sapphires.
• Protects against envious people and the negative effects of envy. The stone is able to cleanse the energy field around a person. Sometimes a sapphire ring was worn by girls who had just got engaged: in this way they protected themselves from the words and gossip of envious people.
• Helps to understand yourself. This is indirectly indicated by the association of a stone with wisdom - those who wear it for a long time notice: their views, judgments have become deeper, they managed to get rid of superficial assessments, from the property of condemning and denying. They noticed that they had ceased to get excited, to enter into conflicts, to make hasty decisions.
• Promotes the accumulation of internal energy. If a person has come to a period of accumulation of strength, concentration on himself, if this is the stage “before the jerk,” sapphire can help. For this reason, a sapphire pendant is often presented to girls who graduate from school and the entire final grade is preparing for admission.

Of course, there are a huge number of skeptics who doubt that some stones can influence a person, his life and behavior. But one can argue with them: all living things are somehow capable of acting on living things. Few people deny that atmospheric pressure affects a person's vascular pressure, that the weather affects our mood and well-being, and simply physically forces a person to adjust to it. Likewise, stones are a part of nature that has physicochemical properties, which means they enter into some kind of relationship with the living being that this stone wears.

But it is also appropriate to talk about the placebo effect: it can work in two ways. If you firmly believe that the stone gives strength, makes you smarter and fairer, some attitudes will unwittingly help you get closer to your own ideal.

Sapphires are specially grown in the laboratory to use the stone in medicine. For example, it is considered to be a powerful stimulant of the normal functioning of the cardiovascular system. It also helps the stone to cleanse the skin, helps to get rid of acne. Other healing properties of sapphire:

• relieves ailments of the urinary tract;
• helps stabilize diabetes;
• helps to restore hearing;
• reduces the frequency of headaches;
• improves vision;
• helps in rehabilitation after vascular diseases (hypertensive crises, strokes);
• helps to overcome depression;
• has been used successfully in the treatment of insomnia.

Many of these statements have come to us from ancient treatises and artifacts of past centuries. Today, the strength of a person's faith in the healing properties of a stone, of course, is not so great. And with the current evidence-based medicine, one cannot rely on stones and minerals in the treatment of serious ailments. But sapphire can be used as an additional source of strength, regenerative energy, as a personal materialistic embodiment and faith in recovery. Sometimes a person is saved, encouraged, and empowered by things that are not directly considered a treatment.

Sapphire is often suggested to be worn by people of creative professions. After all, the energy of the stone helps to reveal talent, to realize abilities. It is believed that sapphire develops creativity: it encourages a person to make non-standard decisions. Therefore, if you see sapphire jewelry on top managers, well-known motivational speakers, big businessmen, perhaps their choice of jewelry is not accidental.

Sometimes products with sapphires are given to people who have gone through a difficult period in their lives, are lost, wasted energy, cannot find themselves again. The stone can become a guide to a new life: after a divorce, it allows a woman to become more confident, distract herself from disturbing thoughts. For a person who has moved to a new place, where no one knows where everything has to start from scratch, sapphire can help find the strength to start.

Stone and signs of the zodiac:

• Aries sapphire helps to become less hot-tempered, calm down unnecessary emotions;
• Sapphire will help Virgo in social communication - sometimes they are overly arrogant in communication, which is why others do not always interpret their words correctly, so sapphire helps to be more accurate in communication;
• Gemini acquiring a sapphire can expect that the stone will attract people who can become faithful friends to them;
• For Pisces, sapphire will add thoughtfulness;
• Libra wearing sapphire jewelry notes that their discernment has increased;
• Lions who buy sapphires do so in the hope of finding peace of mind, as well as increasing their efficiency;
• Cancers note that the stone has a good effect on the nervous system;
• Taurus should be more careful with jewelry - if you are lazy, the stone can "lead you to clean water" without your desire;
• Sapphire is not very suitable for Capricorn - it can take away vitality.

The stone suits Sagittarius and Aquarius to the greatest extent. Moreover, it is Sagittarius men who should pay attention to the sapphire - it helps them to master their minds. Whether the stone is so important for a person, everyone will decide for themselves. But remember, centuries of observation are often very accurate and not without common sense.

If we talk exclusively about aesthetic compatibility, then indeed, it is possible to single out certain types that sapphire suits. If a woman is slim, petite, large stones will not suit her. If a lady has a large face, she cannot choose round stones: square and triangular are preferable. Jewelry tracks look chic, modern, fresh, where sapphires alternate with diamonds (or cubic zirconia). For owners of a beautiful thin neck, earrings with sapphires are ideal. Finally, pay attention to stellar examples - how actresses, singers, and monarchs wear sapphire jewelry.

Most of the stones you see for sale are synthetics. But this is not a fake! Synthetic sapphire differs from natural origin: the first is made in laboratories according to all standards, the second is found in nature. The seller must honestly declare what he is selling you: natural stone or synthetic. You have the right to demand a certificate, because the product is expensive. It is very difficult to distinguish one from the other yourself.

On sale, doublets are often found, and even triplets. This is the name given to thin plates made of natural stone, but glued to the base of a cheaper material. And the manufacturer usually covers the edge with a massive frame. It is not so difficult to identify such a fake - if the stone is examined under a magnifying glass, everything becomes visible. Magnification makes it possible to see where the seam edges are.

Three ways to identify a fake.

• In terms of strength, only diamond beats sapphire, therefore scratches are not terrible for the stone. If you scratch the surface of a sapphire with a needle, nothing will happen to it. Of course, it is difficult to imagine the circumstances under which this check is possible. But if the seller insists that it is a natural sapphire, he should be ready for it.
• Sapphire has sharp, fairly clear edges, so it will definitely leave a scratch on the glass.
• Under the sun, natural sapphire will leave exclusively white reflections, but if the stone is artificial, the reflections will be greenish.

Finally, the price itself is often thought provoking. You don't buy a rare rough stone. If you are told that this is a natural sapphire, and the price is low, it is very likely an imitation. Remember: the price of a sapphire is comparable to a diamond.

The most expensive sapphire is the one whose color can be called cornflower blue, this color is really very beautiful, clean. You can admire such a product for a long time. Its price is from 300 to 1000 dollars per carat. The yellow mineral, which is also considered an exquisite, rare, costs about $ 120 per carat. The final cost of the product that you see on the counter of a jewelry store includes its weight, processing method, clarity of the stone and its transparency, deposit and metal used for cutting.

The energy of stones affects the human biofield in different ways. Some are sure: if one stone will protect from the evil eye, and the second will help to become more self-confident, you can safely wear them together, and preferably on one hand. But this is wrong: many stones do not fit together. One of the most incompatible combinations is sapphire and pearl. Minerals of different elements, in principle, cannot be in good compatibility, wear all incompatible stones separately.

For example, water and air are elements that lead to unfavorable vibrations in the human biofield. This, as experts say, weakens the human immune system.

What sapphire is combined with:

• agate;
• amethyst;
• alabaster;
• cornelian;
• lapis lazuli;
• Emerald;
• turquoise.

Of course, blue and blue sapphire is considered a harmonious combination.Blue sapphire, in principle, goes well with dark shades of the stone. Interestingly, a sapphire ring will not in any case have a beneficial effect on a person: its strong properties are revealed only if the owner of the ring wears it on the ring finger of any hand. Such use of jewelry helps to find your personal happiness and preserve what you already have.

In order for the stone to serve you for many years, to remain as beautiful, you need to take good care of it. This is the only way to ensure that the jewelry can become a family one. The jewelry needs cleaning at least once a month. Of course, wiping it down every day is a waste of time. But once a month, take a few minutes to care for your sapphire.

Nothing fancy is needed; just enough warm water and natural soap to create a cleaning soap solution. Dip the entire jewelry into this water, hold it in it for several minutes. If you get a heavily contaminated product, you can add ammonia to the water. One hour in such a powerful and useful solution is enough for the stone to be cleansed: after a healing bath, wash it under running water. It is best to dry it with a soft cloth.

Not used for stone cleaning:

• aggressive agents (with chlorine and acid in the composition);
• a toothbrush and toothpaste (who cleans silver in this way, do not do this for sapphire).

Yes, the gem is not afraid of scratches, but too aggressive and frequent cleaning slowly takes away its attractive aesthetic properties. The stone should be stored in a case in a dark place. It is not worth keeping the stone under the open rays of the sun for a long time.

Remembering the wise King Solomon, many want to solve the riddle of his insight and ability to make strategically correct decisions. The wisest ruler had a sapphire seal. And on his throne there was also a crown place for a rare stone. Alexander the Great and Mary Stuart possessed rings with a precious insert. For Boris Godunov, the stone served as a sacred talisman.

If corundum is intended as a gift, remember that A sapphire wedding is a marriage that lasts 45 years. But it is not necessary to wait for such a venerable date - the gift will suit both young girls and middle-aged women, and men who are attentive to their appearance and believe in the power of stones. Themselves, do not be guided only by the fashion for stones: everyone should have their own preferences, their own information that can connect you and the stone.

For information on how sapphire differs from emerald, see the next video.