What is a sapphire gemstone?
When your thoughts turn to treasured gemstones, they often lead directly to sapphire. Sapphire, celebrated most for its enchanting deep-blue hue, is actually various corundum—a crystalline form of aluminum oxide. Although mostly known for its robust blue color, sapphire exists in nature in a host of other colors: pink, yellow, green, and even white. Those who prize the reddish hue of corundum must consider it to be ruby, since red corundum is only ever low-grade ruby.
Shapes & Forms of Sapphire Gemstone
We skillfully fashion sapphires into many forms to accentuate their distinct attributes. The cuts most often used are oval, round, cushion, and princess. Oval and cushion cuts best highlight the gem’s color depth, as they are formed with the understanding that a sapphire’s beauty is most dramatically showcased when its unique hue is presented in the most favorable light. The brilliance of the round sapphire is exceptional. And though one could argue that any style of mounting is most suitable for a sapphire, the use of a brilliant round sapphire in a pair of earrings is perhaps a pinnacle choice.
| Common Sapphire Cuts | Best Use | Highlight Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Oval | Rings, Pendants | Color Depth |
| Round | Earrings, Rings | Brilliance |
| Cushion | Rings, Necklaces | Rich Color Display |
| Princess | Engagement Rings, Pendants | Modern Appeal |
In addition to the standard cuts, sapphires are carved into intricate sculptures and cabochons. For example, star sapphires are polished into smooth, dome-like forms that display the star-shaped optical effect (known as asterism) that they possess. When you hold a star sapphire in your hand, the six-rayed star that appears to be “shimmering” when direct light hits it can make you feel like you’re holding a tiny galaxy.
Sapphire Gemstone Metaphysical Properties and Benefits
Sapphire is held in great esteem, both in history and in metaphysics, for its strong attributes. Known as the “Wisdom Stone,” it is thought to amplify intuition, clarity, and spiritual understanding. Many crystal aficionados, myself included, experience the wearing of sapphire gemstones as a conduit to mental serenity and emotional stability. We believe this stone to be a helpful ally in cutting through foggy thought patterns.
Additionally, sapphires are revered for their protective powers, said to safeguard those who wear them from harmful energies while invoking abundance and a spirit of entrepreneurship. Sapphires—especially blue ones, their most iconic form—have long been associated with peace and are considered by many to be stones of clear thinking. I have often found them to be just that.
| Metaphysical Property | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Wisdom and Intuition | Enhances clarity, intuition, insight |
| Protection | Shields from negative energies |
| Emotional Stability | Promotes mental serenity and stability |
| Prosperity and Abundance | Encourages entrepreneurial spirit |
Sapphire Gemstone Meanings in Ancient Lore and History
The legacy of the sapphire stretches deep into ancient history and lore. The Persian people believed that the entire earth rested upon a giant sapphire and that the reflection of that gemstone colored the sky blue. Did the ancient Greeks share this belief? They likewise considered sapphires sacred to Apollo. They believed the blue stone (or what they thought was a blue stone) conferred divine wisdom and also considered it a good gemstone to wear in the presence of a king or when seeking advice from a deity.
Traditionally, sapphires have represented nobility, honesty, and steadfastness—all of which are good reasons for royals of many cultures to have included sapphires in their crowns and other ceremonial jewelry. They may not be wearing the stones because they represent the opposite of what sapphire-loving royals have stood for for millennia.
Sapphire gemstones still mesmerize both serious gem collectors and casual admirers. They have an appeal that goes well beyond beauty, touching something deep in both history and culture and in the very personal meanings that individuals attribute to them. For many, owning or bequeathing a sapphire takes on the significance of a connection to not just the wisdom of the ages but also a centuries-old tradition that is anything but boring.
Sapphire Gemstone and Birthstone
Sapphire, world-famous for its stunning blue colors, is September’s birthstone. But this precious stone is beyond beautiful; it also represents wisdom, purity, and protection. For centuries, sapphires have been the gemstone of choice for kings, queens, and people in the clergy. Their color and the way they sparkle have long been associated with divine dreams and virtues. Perhaps the most famous sapphire today is the 12-carat stone that sits in the engagement ring of Princess Diana, a piece of jewelry that continues to attract gasps of admiration.
Sapphire Gemstone: Meanings and Symbolism
| Meaning | Symbolism | Famous Example |
|---|---|---|
| Wisdom and Purity | Divine dreams and virtues | Princess Diana’s 12-carat sapphire ring |
Sapphires aren’t just royal gemstones; they’ve gained favor among the common folk as well. Nearly everyone who encounters a blue gemstone in a piece of jewelry finds it visually stunning. In order to cater to these admirers, I will guide you through the various sapphire gemstone varieties in this section, emphasizing the royal blue variety, while also exploring the lighter and darker shades, as well as the other colors available in sapphires.
Guide to Cleansing Sapphire Gemstone
You must properly cleanse your sapphire to remove all the negative energy it has accumulated in order to maintain its brilliance. The simplest yet most effective method I can recommend is this: Give your sapphire a gentle bath in lukewarm water mixed with a mild soap. Use a soft-bristle brush to scrub the gemstone, ensuring you carefully clean all sides.
| Cleansing Method | Steps | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Mild Soap Bath | Lukewarm water, mild soap, soft-bristle brush | Removes surface negativity |
| Running Water | Place under running water, visualize negativity washing away | Deep energetic cleansing |
For deeper energy cleansing, you can alternatively place your sapphire gemstone under running water for a few minutes, imagining all the negativity that has attached itself to your stone being washed away. This technique refreshes not only the surface of your sapphire (isn’t it lovely to have a water-washed gemstone?) but also its energetic field. Your sapphire experiences a whole new level of cleansing, which means it has re-attained its natural brilliance.
Don’t use harsh chemicals, and don’t store your sapphire at extreme temperatures if you want it to maintain its integrity.
Guide to Charging Sapphire Gemstone
Energizing your sapphire gemstone enhances its natural characteristics, rendering it an even more potent ally. One of the ways I like to do this is by using moonlight—especially during the time of a full moon. I place my sapphire in a secure but open outdoor area or on a windowsill to take in the gentle, powerful rays of the female aspect of the sun.
A highly effective method also exists that uses crystal clusters, like amethyst or clear quartz. Place your sapphire on top of a crystal cluster for several hours or overnight. These crystals are natural enhancers and restorers of the vibrational energy of the sapphire, which then becomes “tuned” to a high frequency perfect for the type of everyday use one might engage in with a sapphire.
The Significance of Sapphire Gemstone in Tarot
In tarot readings, sapphire gemstones represent clarity, wisdom, and insight. As someone who often works with tarot, I find that placing sapphires on or near your tarot deck can exceptionally raise intuitive understanding and promote especially clear and truthful interpretations. The stone has a strong resonance with the High Priestess and the Justice card, both of which symbolize the kind of mental sharpness, clear communication, and fair judgment that sapphires also seem to embody.
For centuries, mystics in the ancient world used sapphires to amplify psychic powers. They thought that these mesmerizing blue stones opened up pathways to understanding the nature of reality, providing juice for what we would now call “spiritual wisdom.” Using sapphires today in conjunction with tarot readings continues this age-old practice. Indeed, my friend and fellow student of Tarot, Angela, calls upon sapphires during her readings. Angela believes they elevate the experience of the reading itself to a level that is even closer to the divine. And she isn’t wrong.
Sapphire Gemstone and Zodiac
The sapphire gemstone is profoundly meaningful to many zodiac signs, but especially to Virgo and Libra. For those born under the sign of Virgo, sapphires are thought to enhance their inner peace, reduce anxiety, promote self-expression, and boost self-confidence. For those born under the sign of Libra, sapphires lend their balancing, harmonizing energies to the Libra’s already unusual talent for seeing two sides of any issue.
Astrologers suggest sapphires are perfect for anyone, regardless of their zodiac sign, who is after peace, balance, or heightened awareness. Calmness and clear-headedness are states of being I have personally achieved during stressful times, thanks to the presence of a sapphire. If the peace of mind that eludes many of us during our most trying times seems an unachievable goal, then I can only say this: Sapphires are like keys that gently yet surely guide us to that emotional and spiritual state.
Questions and Answers
Extra Insights on Sapphire
White Sapphire vs. Diamond
Although white sapphire and diamond appear very alike, their differences are important to take into account when picking out a piece of jewelry. Diamonds are unmatched when it comes to the overall beauty of a stone, and they shine with a vibrant brilliance. That said, if you desire a look that’s a little more low-key and one that will save you some serious cash, you might consider the white sapphire. In your opinion, is an engagement ring absolutely incomplete without a diamond? Or would you rank a white sapphire as the runner-up?
| Feature | White Sapphire | Diamond |
|---|---|---|
| Brilliance | Moderate | Exceptional |
| Price | More affordable | Expensive |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 9 | 10 |
Cherokee Ruby and Sapphire Mine
In North Carolina, the Cherokee Ruby and Sapphire Mine is known among gemstone aficionados like me for yielding some of the finest naturally colored rubies and sapphires that this country can boast. The mine is a family-friendly destination where visitors can enjoy gem hunting and have the rare opportunity to unearth gemstones of a quality that many collectors would value.
Yellow Sapphire Stone
The bright sunny hue of yellow sapphire, often called Pukhraj in astrology, attracts many. Jupiter, the planet believed to boost confidence and enhance one’s ability to attract wealth, is associated with this gemstone. If not by association, the presence of yellow sapphire in a jewelry box certainly links it to prosperity.
Tanzanite vs. Sapphire
Tanzanite and sapphire differ markedly in their colors and in their rarity. While sapphires show a marvelous variety of colors, with blue being the most common and enduring, Tanzanite uniquely exhibits captivating shades of blue-violet that are found only in Tanzania. And though sapphires are the more durable of the two gemstones, Tanzanite’s rarity and exclusivity make it a prime choice for collectors.
| Gemstone | Common Colors | Durability | Rarity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sapphire | Various, mainly blue | High (Mohs 9) | Common to rare, depending on quality |
| Tanzanite | Blue-violet | Moderate (Mohs 6.5-7) | Very rare, found only in Tanzania |
Meaning of Sapphire for Kids
For children, sapphires can stand for friendship, truth, and loyalty. Historically viewed as magical, these colorful gems have shown up in fairy tales and other forms of storytelling, imparting lessons of sorts. Like many colorful stones, sapphires can also be said to have the assorted attributes of any given gemstone—many of which also resonate with the morals historically associated with them. Sapphires not only serve as excellent conversation starters, igniting curiosity about geology and nature, but they also impart a wealth of good, traditional values to children.
Blue Sapphire Price
The cost of blue sapphires is quite variable, running from about $50 per carat for low-quality stones to well over $10,000 per carat for top-quality gems. Many aspects influence the price, but the main ones are the color, clarity, cut, and the stone’s origin. Stones from places like Sri Lanka and Kashmir are some of the most valuable.
Pink Sapphire Price
The pink sapphire, delightfully vivid and increasingly in demand, has a price tag that ranges from around $200 to over $4,000 per carat. What it’s worth is heavily influenced by its shade, clarity, and, most important of all, its rarity. The deep, vivid pinks from places like Madagascar command some of the highest prices in the market.
Sapphire Metaphysical Properties
On a metaphysical level, sapphire embodies wisdom, peacefulness, and profound spiritual understanding. Believers contend that wearing sapphire crystals amplifies one’s innate intuition, assists in achieving pure mental clarity, and promotes a consistently even emotional keel. To me, sapphires exude those very qualities. They are perfect gems for anyone seeking a tranquil, calm path toward deep self-understanding.
Biblical Meaning of Sapphire
Sapphire in the Bible denotes divine benevolence, heavenly brilliance, and truth. It is prominent in the Old Testament, where it not only dazzles but also adorns the sacred garments of the holy, as it symbolizes the purity that somehow still manages to reach our earthbound eyes. This, its most profound impact, is not material. Yet it continues, unabated, to inspire those seeking a deeper connection to their faith.
Pink Sapphire Stone
Delicate elegance radiates from pink sapphires. They symbolize especially the qualities of compassion, romance, and kindness. When most people think of sapphires, they think of the deep blue of the classic engagement ring. But the pink sapphire may be the most fitting stone of all for expressing emotional love, especially because its beautiful color stems from the same process that gives rise to rubies.
Helena Sapphire Mine
Since the late 19th century, the Helena Sapphire Mine in Montana has had an illustrious past, supplying dazzling sapphires to a waiting world. Blue sapphires from this mine, especially those of the cornflower variety, seem to be unmatched anywhere else on Earth. That’s because the only place in the world where you can find sapphires like this is here in Montana. Sapphires may be mined in a few other places, but only Helena sapphires are Helena sapphires.
Raw Sapphire Stones
Sapphire, in its raw, unpolished natural state, has a rugged beauty that appeals to collectors and jewelry artisans. These unrefined stones offer insight into our planet’s geological processes and present limitless opportunities for personalized, handcrafted jewelry.
Lab-Grown Sapphire Price
Sapphires grown in a laboratory and chemically and physically identical to natural stones are affordable alternatives, with a price range of $20 to $100 per carat. A controlled environment creates them, ensuring fewer imperfections than you might find in a naturally occurring gemstone. Because of these advantages and because they’re made without harming the environment, sapphires that are the alternative-to-nature kind are perfect for anyone seeking ethically mined sapphires.
Red Sapphire Gem
Ruby, scientifically known as red sapphire, symbolizes passion, vitality, and courage. Often confused as separate from sapphires, rubies are indeed the same mineral species—corundum. Known for their fiery allure, red sapphires remain highly sought after, carrying both romantic and powerful symbolism.
Sapphire Crystal Structure
The crystal structure of sapphire, which is scientifically termed hexagonal crystalline, gives the gem extraordinary durability and hardness, a quality surpassed only by that of diamonds. It is this robust structural arrangement that makes sapphire an ideal candidate for use in not only the common but also the quotidian piece of jewelry. The stone ranks high on the Mohs scale, just beneath the diamond, and is therefore quite resistant to scratching.
