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Sapphire is a precious gemstone made of the mineral corundum, known for its vibrant blue color, although it can be found in a rainbow of other colors except for red (which is classified as a ruby). A variety of trace elements like iron and titanium give it its color, and it is prized for its durability, rating 9 out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale. Sapphires are valued for their beauty and have been historically associated with nobility, sincerity, and truth.

Composition and properties

• Mineral:

  Sapphire is a variety of the mineral corundum, which is aluminum oxide (

  Al2O3

  Al2O3

  ).

• Hardness:

  It is extremely hard, ranking 9 out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it one of the most durable gemstones after diamond.

• Color:

  While typically blue, sapphires can occur in many other colors, including yellow, green, purple, orange, and pink, known as "fancy" sapphires. Red corundum is classified as a ruby.

• Color origin:

  Trace elements like iron, titanium, chromium, and vanadium give the colorless corundum its tint.

Appearance and types

• Appearance:

  Sapphires are valued for their beauty, but can also exhibit a star effect known as asterism in some cases.

• Types:

  • Blue sapphire: The most well-known variety.

  • Fancy sapphires: All other colors besides blue and red.

  • Parti-sapphires: Show two or more colors.

  • Padparadscha: A rare and prized pinkish-orange sapphire.

Symbolism and uses

• Symbolism: Sapphires are often associated with nobility, sincerity, truth, faithfulness, and intelligence.

• Historical significance: Ancient civilizations believed they offered protection from harm and envy.

• Uses: Used for centuries as a precious gemstone in jewelry due to their beauty and hardness.