Sapphires Are Absolutely...Everything

Posted by R. Ann Siracusa

Sapphire, the birthstone for September, is a very versatile and beautiful gemstone  Sapphires are absolutely...everything.

A GEM OF ABSOLUTELY...UNLIMITED COLORS

The sapphire is traditionally thought of as being blue. "Its extraordinary color is the standard against which other blue gems—from topaz to tanzanite—are measured."
http://www.gia.edu/sapphire-history-lore 

The name comes from the Greek sappheiros and/or the Latin word saphirius, both meaning "blue." The ancient Persians believed the earth rested on a giant sapphire and the blue of the sky was the reflection of its color. Biblically, it was believed that the Ten Commandments were scribed on tablets of sapphire. Historians believe the blue stone or "sapphire" referred to at that time was Lapis Lazuli.

The gemstone Sapphire is mineral corundum, which is an aluminum oxide. Depending on the amount of trace minerals such as iron, titanium, chromium, copper, or magnesium present, the color can be blue, yellow, orange, purple, green, white, cognac, pink, gray and even black.  However, red corundum is a Ruby.

WHITE SAPPHIRE

HOWEVER, RED CORUNDUM IS A RUBY

A GEM OF ABSOLUTELY...UNPRECIDENTED TALENTS

Like other gemstones, sapphires have legendary meanings and symbolism and are believed to have medicinal and protective purposes.

Once Upon A Time

To the ancient world, sapphire of heavenly blue signified the height of celestial hope and faith (remember, these beliefs were probably attributed to Lapis Lazuli).

The Greeks wore blue stones to bring wisdom when at Delphi seeking answers and advice from the Oracle. Buddhists believed the gemstone imbued devotion and spiritual enlightenment. The Hindus used the gem in offerings for worship and to align astrological influences. To the Eastern cultures, sapphire was a powerful talisman to ward off evil.
In Christianity, the sapphire was cherished for its power of protection and insight. It was the 

symbol of heaven and joyful devotion to God.
In those times, giving a sapphire to someone was a promise of honesty, loyalty, purity, and trust. That symbolism still applies to a gift of sapphire today.

Powers of the Stone

Throughout history, sapphire has been a tangible sign of divine favor, bringing the wearer enlightenment, wisdom, and protection, in particular protection against poisoning.

By the middle ages, sapphire (not Lapis Lazuli) was also credited for getting rid of unwanted thoughts and fostering peace, prosperity, and wealth. The blue crystals were believed to have the power to bring trust, faith, patience, and respect, and to lend focus when we need to become more sincere, act more responsibly, and become more trustworthy.

Another of the popular beliefs about sapphire is its association with purity. ethical conduct, and truth. In addition, sapphires were believed to have the following powers to:

● Guide travelers and seekers,
● Aide in astral projection, telepathy, and clairvoyance,
● Influence spirits,
● Aide in communication with the dead,
● Aide in speedy and positive resolution of legal matters and matters concerning justice.,
● Calm and focus the mind.

A GEM OF ABSOLUTELY...MIRACULOUS MEDICAL CURES

Since medieval times, sapphires have taken credit for being able to cure cancer, some types of mental illnesses, and a number of other types of illness, injuries, and conditions.  Its properties were described as "cold, dry, and astringent."
http://www.crystalvaults.com/crystal-encyclopedia/sapphire.

According to legend and natural healers, sapphire ground into a power supposedly helped with:

      ● Colic
      ● Rheumatism
      ● Weak eyesight and eye infections
      ● Burns
      ● Hearing issues
      ● Blood related problems
      ● Inflammation
      ● Fevers
      ● Sore throats
      ● Headaches
      ● Nightmares

      ● Soothing insomnia

      ● Nosebleeds
      ● Depression.

 
Made into a paste (probably using the ground mineral), it was used to take the heat out of inflammations and to dry up infections, particularly of the eyes. Ointments of sapphire and milk were placed on sores and boils. Elixirs mixed with water and vinegar or lemon juice were used for stomachs aches, dysentery, hemorrhoids, and bleeding. A sapphire on the forehead was thought to stop a nose bleed.

Wow! I'll bet the pharmaceutical companies would love to have something like that under patent. The gemstone could cure absolutely...everything.

A GEM OF ABSOLUTELY...GREAT SCARCITY

While sapphires are found in a variety of locations in the world and are not considered "rare" per say, natural sapphire of 10k or more with no treatment are scarce.

Say what?

Most people don't realize, myself included, that almost all sapphires sold are treated to enhance their color and clarity. Part of the reason is because until the 1980's heat treatment was not usually disclosed when selling sapphires.

It wasn't until Intergem Limited began marketing Yogo sapphires the world's only guaranteed untreated sapphire that the public became aware the gems were "treated." Actually, the practice of subjecting sapphires (and other gemstones) to heating goes back to Roman times. Now it is required by US Trade Commission that treatment be disclosed to the buyer.

Most are heated to high temperature, which alters the color and beauty but not the value. Some are treated with chemicals to change the color. The practice of subjecting sapphires (and other gemstones) to heating goes back to Roman times.

Unheated natural sapphire gemstones are somewhat rare and expensive, and may have a certificate from a gem laboratory which attests to "No evidence of heat treatment."


One rare variety of natural sapphire, color-change sapphire, is blue in outdoor light and purple under incandescent indoor light, or green in daylight and pink to reddish-violet in incandescent light.

When buying a sapphire, you need to know that "natural sapphire" means that it is not created in a laboratory. "Untreated" means that the sapphire has not been subjected to any chemicals, heat, or other process used to enhance beauty.

And hold onto your hat when you check the price tag.

Resources

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sapphire
http://www.cjcharles.com/blogs/cj-charles-jewelers/18678121-the-rich-folklore-of-the-sapphire-gemstone
https://suite.io/sarah-todd/2q462kt
http://www.jewelsforme.com/sapphire-history
https://crystal-cure.com/sapphire-gem.html
http://www.bernardine.com/gemstones/sapphire.htm
http://www.gemsbrokers.org/gemstone/gems_and_gemology/sapphire_myths.htm

http://www.ellensteiber.com/thestones.htm
http://www.almanac.com/content/birthstones-and-their-meanings
http://www.gemstoneuniverse.com/blue-sapphire-the-most-beautiful-gemstone.php

http://www.crystalvaults.com/crystal-encyclopedia/sapphire

http://www.gia.edu/sapphire-quality-factor