SAPPHIRE

 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 relation to its chemical composition is Al2O3 , since sapphire is a combination of the oxides of iron, aluminum and titanium. This last element is responsible for the traditional bluish tone of sapphire. Anyway, there are other shades of this stone: pink, yellow and green.

There are many varieties of sapphires, those of Kashmir and those of Burmese are of an intense blue color and are very difficult to find in 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 , sapphire water , oriental sapphire and faux sapphire.

Purple sapphires are considered less valuable because of their color inaccuracy. This tonality is given by the impurities that iron and titanium present and they are not very 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.

Sapphire colors can be better perceived when facing fluorescent light or in broad daylight, when incandescent these stones look dull. To be able to work on the sapphire, they are subjected to a heat treatment through which the stones are heated before cutting them to about 1800 degrees Celsius. This exposure to color intensifies your colors and makes them more expensive.

Regarding the chemical properties of sapphire, it can be said that it is not attacked by hydracids, with the exception of hydrofluoric acid. On the other hand, on the other hand, it is attacked by perchloric acid, hexafluorosilicic acid, its acid oxide and, when hot, also aqua regia.

Sapphire can be found in deposits of bauxite, rutile, and hematite. The most important international producers are on the African continent , although there are also deposits in South America . On the other hand, there are sapphires in the Indian zone 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 are manufactured, since 1902, by the process known as Verneuil.

The sapphire myths

It should be noted that in the zodiac this stone is the one that 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 who were born in the month of September.

A sapphire is also believed to symbolize sincerity, faithfulness, and truth in human relationships and is a source of peace, wisdom, and joy. In ancient times this stone was related to protection from evil spirits and it was also believed that the star sapphire was a powerful talisman that protected travelers and seekers.

To further delve into this topic we can tell you that the ancient Persians were convinced that the earth was resting on a huge sapphire and that the color of the sky was nothing other than a reflection of it.

Later it was said that the tablets 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, because it took on the importance of the representation of divine favor.

Among the 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.