Sapphire is a highly valued gemstone.
The word sapphire comes from the Latin term sapphirus and refers to a bluish gem that belongs to the corundum family. It is one of the most relevant and valuable gemstones on the planet, along with diamonds , rubies and emeralds .
The formula of sapphire in terms of its chemical composition is Al2O3 , since sapphire is a combination of iron, aluminum and titanium oxides . This last element is responsible for the traditional bluish tone of the sapphire. In any case, there are other shades of this stone: pink, yellow and green .
It is said that sapphire is the blue sister of ruby , both share characteristics such as the material with which they have been composed, the mineral corundum, the red one is what is known as ruby and the blue one is known as sapphire. Corundum is the second hardest gemstone, the first being diamond.
Varieties of sapphires
There are many varieties of sapphires, those from Kashmir and Burmese are an intense blue color and are very difficult to find on the market; the most common are those from Sri Lanka and Madagascar and can be found in a wide range of colors from dark blue to sky blue. According to their colors they are known as: white sapphire , water sapphire , oriental sapphire and false sapphire .
Purple sapphires are considered less valuable due to this inaccuracy in their color. This tone is given by the impurities present in iron and titanium and are not highly appreciated. It should be noted that the economic value of a sapphire stone is given by the intensity of its colors, the darker it is, the more expensive it is, especially if it is blue.
The colors of the sapphire can be perceived better when in front of a fluorescent light or in broad daylight, when it is incandescent these stones look dull. To be able to work on the sapphire, it is subjected to a heat treatment through which the stones are heated before cutting them to about 1800 degrees Celsius. This color exposure intensifies their colors and makes them more expensive.
Regarding the chemical properties of sapphire, it can be said that it does not suffer attack from hydracids, with the exception of hydrofluoric acid. On the other hand, however, it is attacked by perchloric acid, hexafluorosilicic acid, its acid oxide and, when hot, also aqua regia.
Rings, necklaces and other jewelry are made with sapphires.
Exploitation and use
Sapphire can be found in deposits of bauxite , rutile and hematite . The most important producers internationally are located on the African continent , although there are also deposits in South America . On the other hand, there are sapphires in the Indian area of Kashmir , in the Australian territory of Central Queensland , in Sri Lanka and in Siam .
The use of sapphire is associated with jewelry and certain tools that use lasers . On the other hand, there are synthetic sapphires that receive their color from the supply of titanium and chromium. These artificial sapphires have been manufactured, since 1902, by the process known as Verneuil .
The myths of the sapphire
It should be noted that in the zodiac this stone corresponds to Taurus , meaning that a person born between April 21 and May 21 with a blue sapphire stone will get protection. It is also the birthstone of those born in the month of September.
A sapphire is also believed to symbolize sincerity , fidelity and truth in human relationships and is a source of peace, wisdom and joy . In ancient times this stone was related to protection against evil spirits and it was also believed that the star sapphire was a powerful talisman that protected travelers and seekers.
To delve even further into this topic, we can tell you that the ancient Persians were convinced that the earth was resting on an enormous sapphire and that the color of the sky was nothing other than its reflection.
Later it was said that the tables with the commandments that the Christian god supposedly dictated to Moses were made of sapphire, this made this stone one of the favorites among kings and religious people, because it gained the importance of representing divine favor.
Among monarchs this stone is widely used, for example the British crown has large blue sapphires and even King Charles chose an engagement ring for Princess Diana that had one of these stones.