Sapphire has been a prized gemstone since ancient times and continues to be a popular choice today for its beautiful blue hue, however there is so much more to know about this amazing rock that will surprise you!
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1. Sapphire is one of the 5 cardinal gems, along with the diamond, ruby, emerald and amethyst.
2. It's the birthstone for lucky September babies
3. Its name comes from the Latin word 'saphirus' and the Greek word 'sapheiros,' both meaning blue.
4. To some religions, the blue color of the sapphire represents the heavens. Blue sapphires were a holy stone to the catholic church and to ancient Persians, who believed they made the sky blue with their reflections.
5. While blue is the the most popular shade for sapphires, they do come in a rainbow of colors. It is a variety of the mineral corundum which, along with trace elements of different minerals can completely transform ! For example, iron creates yellow sapphires, chromium creates pink sapphires, and a mix of both creates orange sapphires.
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6. The only color a sapphire cannot be is red. If a sapphire has so much chromium that it turns a deep red, then it is no longer considered a sapphire, but a ruby.
7. Sapphires are a symbol of wisdom, virtue, good fortune, and protection.
8. Some say its name is derived from the planet Saturn as the word can roughly be translated to mean 'dear to the planet Saturn' in many different languages.
9. Sapphires are one of the strongest natural occurring substances on earth. On the Mohs scale of hardness sapphires and rubies measure 9.0. A diamond? 10.0.
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10. As a protection stone, sapphires were worn to protect against sorcery and hidden dangers. It was thought to banish evil spirits and send negative spells back to the sender. They were used to guard off poisonous creatures and kill snakes hiding nearby. The great traveler, Sir Richard Francis Burton, had a large star sapphire which he referred to as his talisman, since it always brought him good luck wherever he went.
11. Kings wore sapphires as a powerful defense from harm. They protected the wearer from envy and helped win favor from the Gods. King Solomon wore a sapphire ring, and in modern times, the sapphire grew popular when Prince Charles gave a sapphire engagement ring to Lady Diana. That ring is now worn by Princess Kate Middleton.
12. Sapphires are also said to promote health. They were once used to reduce fevers, protect against mental illness, improve eyesight, and treat nosebleeds as well as ulcers!
13. According to ancient lore, the Ten Commandments were actually written on sapphire tablets!
14. Sapphires have energies that promote abundance and prosperity, helping you to achieve success in business. They help you fulfill your dreams and attract more positive opportunities while keeping you centered and grounded, even in the most chaotic environment.
15. Sapphires are more than just a gift for people born in September. In fact, in traditional anniversary custom, a sapphire is the expected gift for a 45th anniversary. There is no wrong time to give a sapphire. They come in so many colors that there is a sapphire for everyone!
16. The most expensive sapphire ever is known as The Star of Adam that was discovered in Sri Lanka in 2016 and weighs 1,400 carats. It's worth for $100 million!