Interesting Facts About Sapphires
Sapphires, a form of the corundum stone, are rare gemstones. Traditionally, we associate the blue variety of the stone with September birthdays. But sapphires in their many color variations have held significance for centuries.
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Color
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The color most associated with sapphires is a deep blue. While blue remains the most common color, sapphires are available in almost every color, including purple, white or colorless, pink, yellow, orange, green and brown. The exception is the red variety of corundum, which, according to the American Gem Trade Association, are actually rubies.
Rare Star
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Some sapphires, known as star sapphires, feature a property known as asterism, allowing them to produce the optical effect of a 6- or 12-pointed star if they are specially cut, according to "The Mineral and Gemstone Kingdom."
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Blue Rush
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The United States' Geological Survey (USGS) reports that the first American sapphires were located in 1865 in Montana. One variety of these sapphires, known as Yogos because they were found in Yogo Gulch, has uniform clarity and a corn-flower blue color that occurs naturally, without the heating process used to deepen the blue color of other commercial sapphires.
Ancient History
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For centuries, sapphires have been associated with wisdom, fidelity and purity, making them popular in engagement, anniversary, and spiritual jewelry. According to "Valuable Stones," sapphires have historically been worn by royalty and priests because they were believed to protect the wearer from physical harm and envy. Ancient civilizations, including the Persians, believed that the Earth was upheld by a sapphire whose reflection made the sky blue.
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References
- Photo Credit treasure chest image by Julianna Olah from Fotolia.com
