While sapphire and ruby are both corundum, they are distinguished by color. All red corundum are ruby. Everything else is sapphire. While sapphire can come in a variety of color, it is most noted for the color blue, “cornflower blue” in particular. Sapphires other than blue are often referred to as “fancy sapphire.” While there is a wide range of color, the most popular colors include padparadscha (a light to medium toned, orange pink), pink sapphire and orange sapphire.
Color
Sapphire, known for its beautiful “cornflower blue” color, also comes in a wide range of colors.
Hardness and Durability
Like rubies, sapphires are one of the hardest and most durable materials on earth. At 9 on Mohs’ scale of gemstone hardness, sapphires are second only to diamonds in hardness.
History
The history of sapphire can be a little confusing because it has often been confused with other stones like lapis lazuli. It wasn’t until the early 1800s that sapphire and ruby were recognized as being the family of corundum. The name sapphire may derive from the Greek Sanskrit sanipriya, meaning “dear to the planet Saturn.” Its deep blue color seems to embody the deep blue sky.
Legend suggests that the Ten Commandments were inscribed on sapphire. Of course, due to its hardness that would be a miracle indeed. Various cultures have treasured the beauty and virtues of sapphire. Ancient Egyptian physicians prescribed grinding it and forming a wash to help the eyes. It was also prescribed for indigestion, scorpion bites, boils, and more.
The Christian church also valued its presence. Pope Innocent II required all bishops to wear sapphire rings on their hand of blessing. And some writers have suggested that it is one of the foundation stones mentioned in Revelation, representing the apostle Paul because of his mystic encounter in the third heavens.
Some of the most desired sapphires come from Kashmir, India. Other key mining areas include Sri Lanka, Mogok, Chantabun and Kanchanaburi (Thailand) and even Montana. Other deposits include Brazil, China, Cambodia, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Zimbabwe and Tanzania.
When you first start shopping for sapphires, try to look at a wide selection of stones. Train your eye to notice things you like and dislike. When you’re ready to shop, you might want to decide upon a price range.
Heat Treatments
You should probably assume your sapphire has been heated. A sapphire that has not been heat treated is extremely rare and would be very expensive.
Inclusions
Most sapphire contain some inclusions, so unless you are willing to pay the exorbitant price for a stone free of inclusions, look for a stone that looks clean to the naked eye.
Cleaning sapphires is easy. Due to their hardness and durability, almost any cleaning technique is acceptable. For specific gemstone details, see our Gemstone Enhancement Chart. Normal Care includes:
Maintain their beauty by cleaning your gems
On sapphires, you can normally use ultrasonic cleaners, steamers, sudsy water, and brushes.
Check stone mounts
Sapphires are more durable the metal mounts on your jewelry, so have the prongs checked occasionally to assure a tight fit.
Avoid wearing gems during strenuous exercise
A well-placed blow could damage the beauty of stone, so it is safest to store them while engaging in any activity where they might be subject to high impact.
Do not handle jewelry by the stone
You don’t want to loosen a stone from the mount and take a chance of eventually losing it if the stone falls out.
Store gemstones separately
Sapphires are harder than others and a hard stone can actually scratch a softer stone.
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