Sapphire
The sapphire is a variety of the mineral corundum, usually of blue color, but there can be also varieties of transparent colorless leuko sapphires; extravagant orange stones known as padparadja; or rose, violet, and green corundum stones. The star sapphires are considered to be very rare and valuable.
Up into the 19th century, all the gems of blue tints were called sapphires – the word “sapphire” itself means “blue” in Greek. Later, all the colored corundum minerals were called sapphires. The most desired varieties of sapphires are the deep blue Burman, Kashmiri, and Ceylon stones. Greenish stones from Australia and Kenya are less valued. The rarest sapphires are sky-blue minerals, and, as a general rule, these are usually diamond-cut or step-cut or even a combined cut to enable the most beautiful light reflecting qualities.
The world's biggest cut sapphire is called the Blue Giant; it weighs 486 carat and was found in Ceylon in the 1960s. Before it was found, the Queen Mary’s Sapphire (which is 8 carat smaller than the Blue Giant), was considered to be the largest sapphire. The largest uncut sapphire is called the Star of India, and it weighs 563 carat.
For centuries, sapphires have been known as a symbol of a woman’s love, faith and innocence as well as conscience, mutual aid, remorse, unselfishness, and friendship. Colorless leuko sapphires symbolize purity and virginity. Blue and sky blue stones in Ancient Greece were the privilege of priests – these minerals were believed to be sacred so no one but the priests dared to wear them.
Sapphires are regarded as helpers in love affairs: defenders against dirty thoughts, betrayal and envy. These stones are also believed to help in attaining a spiritual experience and to spread peace and tranquility. The mineral is also able to cure heart, lung, and kidney diseases, to fight female reproductive system diseases, and to help cure even leprosy.
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