Sapphire

Sapphire: A Jewel of Dreams and Strength 

Sapphire, derived from the Latin word "sapphirus" and the Greek word "sappheiros," has long held a place of reverence and admiration in cultures worldwide. Known for its breathtaking hues ranging from velvety blues to vibrant yellows, this gemstone has enchanted generations with its ethereal allure. Its name evokes images of deep blue oceans and starlit nights, captivating the imagination of all who gaze upon it. Yes, we speak of none other than the resplendent sapphire. 

Sapphire belongs to the corundum mineral family and is made of Aluminium Oxide. Within the Corundum family you also find Ruby, which is the Red variety and Fancy coloured Sapphires in yellow, orange, green pink, purple and many more colours that we often use in our jewellery for the halos around our centre stones. You also have a pinkish-orange variety called Padparadscha, which is very rare and Sapphires can also be found with Asterism, which is an optical effect showing a star in cabochon cut stones, where needle-like inclusions are present in enough quantities and oriented parallel to the lateral crystal axes. It is the second hardest natural gemstone after diamond, scoring a remarkable 9 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. This inherent durability makes sapphire a gem of endurance, representing strength and resilience in the face of adversity. 

Sapphires are coloured by a combination of iron and titanium and may show a colour change. Very often sapphires have been heat treated to improve the overall colour impression. It is the birthstone for September.  

Rubies are coloured by chromium and can be find in bright red, red, purplish or brownish read and even deep pink red colours. If it’s very light red or light pink, it would be classified as a Fancy Coloured Sapphire and not a ruby. Rubies are also often heated to improve the quality of the colour. And did you know that Rubies also fluoresce red in UV light?, unless they contain too much iron… 

Ruby and Sapphire are found in metamorphic and alluvial gem gravel deposits, but sapphires can also be found in pegmatites. Corundum grows in the trigonal crystal system. Sapphire often grows as a bipyramidal shape or a barrel-shaped crystal, whereas Ruby often has a tabular habit. None of these can often been seen where the crystals have been waterworn and more resemble pebbles. The lustre is often very bright vitreous.  Sapphire can be found in many places, but the most important places are Myanmar (Burma), Tanzania, Thailand, Madagascar and Sri Lanka. From the striking pink sapphires found in Madagascar to the captivating yellow sapphires discovered in Sri Lanka, each hue tells a unique story. This diversity allows sapphire to resonate with individuals of varying tastes and preferences, making it a gem that truly encompasses inclusivity and personal expression. As Corundum is very hard, it’s ideal for usage in jewellery and is hard enough for everyday use. 

Sapphire also possesses a rich tapestry of lore and symbolism. For centuries, Sapphire has been known as the stone of wisdom and is associated with truth, and spiritual enlightenment. It will help release unwanted thoughts and mental tension and keep you on your spiritual path. It helps restore balance within the energy body. Blue Sapphire – also just called Sapphire, is the seeker after spiritual truth, associated with love and purity. It is very effective for Earth and Chakra healing. It can also help transmute negative energies and facilitate self-expression and speaking your truth.  

This is what Judy Hall writes about each of the colours of Sapphire and their healing capabilities: 

 

Green Sapphire: Improves vision, both inner and outer, and improves dream recall. It stimulates the heart chakra, bringing loyalty, fidelity and integrity. This stone enhances compassion and an understanding of the frailties and unique qualities of others. It honours trust and respect for other people’s belief systems.  

Pink Sapphire: Acts as a magnet to draw into your life all that you need in order to evolve. It is a fast-acting stone that teaches you how to master emotions, clearing emotional blockages and integrating the transmuted energies.  

Purple Sapphire: Awakens. It is helpful for meditation, stimulating the kundalini rise and the crown chakra and opening spirituality. This stone activates the pineal gland with its link to psychic abilities and stimulates visionary qualities. It is extremely calming for the emotionally unstable.  

Royal Sapphire: Eliminates negative energies from the chakras, and stimulates the third eye to access information for growth. This stone teaches responsibility for your own thoughts and feelings.  

Star Sapphire: Has a star shaped formation in its depths. This rare stone draws you into its depths and opens intuition. It brings about centering of your thoughts and aids in anticipating the intentions of other people. It is said to contact extra-terrestrial beings! 

White Sapphire: Has an extremely pure energy. Opening the crown chakra, it takes spiritual awareness to a very high space, opening cosmic consciousness. This is an extremely protective stone that removes obstacles to the spiritual path. It is helpful in accessing your potential and life purpose. 

Yellow Sapphire: Attracts wealth to the home and can be placed in cash boxes to increase prosperity and earnings. If worn, it should touch the body. Yellow Sapphire stimulates the intellect and improves overall focus so that the bigger picture is seen. As an elixir, it removes toxins from the body.  

Ancient civilizations believed that sapphire had the power to grant clarity of thought and protect against negative energies. Even today, sapphire continues to inspire a sense of serenity and inner peace, reminding us to embrace our true selves and seek wisdom in all aspects of life. 

Throughout history, sapphire has graced the crowns and jewellery of royalty and the elite. Its captivating allure has adorned the fingers, necks, and ears of influential figures, captivating the hearts of onlookers and symbolizing power and nobility. However, sapphire is not limited to the aristocracy; it has become a cherished gemstone for people from all walks of life. It transcends social boundaries, reminding us that dreams are within our reach, regardless of our origins or circumstances. The United Kingdom, known for its royal heritage, has a profound connection with this gemstone. The British Crown Jewels house magnificent sapphires, including the grand Stuart Sapphire, which has been worn by numerous monarchs throughout history. The presence of sapphires in these regal treasures serves as a testament to their enduring beauty and timeless appeal. 

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, sapphire boasts an intriguing array of qualities that add to its mystique. It is a gem of wisdom and royalty, symbolizing truth, sincerity, and faithfulness. In ancient times, it was believed to protect the wearer from harm and bring inner peace and serenity. Today, sapphire continues to inspire and empower those who choose to embrace its magic. Like the sapphire, may we strive to embody strength and resilience, standing tall even in the face of adversity. Let us embrace the many colours of life, recognizing that our diversity is what makes us truly extraordinary. And may we seek wisdom and inner peace, navigating our paths with clarity and grace. 

As we reflect upon the remarkable journey of sapphire, let us draw inspiration from its tale. Like the sapphire, we possess inner strength and resilience that can guide us through the challenges we encounter. Just as sapphire emerges from the depths of the Earth and undergoes intense pressure to transform into a radiant gem, so too can we rise above life's hardships and emerge with renewed brilliance. Let sapphire be a reminder that our dreams are not mere fantasies, but precious jewels waiting to be discovered within us. With faith, determination, and unwavering belief in ourselves, we can navigate the currents of life and make our dreams a reality. Embrace the wisdom and beauty of sapphire, and let it ignite the fire of inspiration within your soul. 

In this journey called life, let the sapphire be your guiding light, empowering you to shine your brightest, stand tall in the face of adversity, and embrace the endless possibilities that await. Allow the captivating charm of sapphire to inspire you to reach for the stars and create a legacy that will endure through time. Remember, just as the sapphire's brilliance captivates hearts and minds, so too can your unique brilliance leave an indelible mark on the world. Embrace your inner sapphire, and let its story intertwine with your own, as you embark on a journey of dreams, strength, and unfathomable beauty.