An aluminum oxide that is not red is called sapphire. This word comes from the Greek ‘sappheiros’ meaning blue. Even though this gemstone does not only appear in this color, for it comes in varieties of primary colors. The coloration depends with the types of minerals present. A very good example the presence of chromium produces pink sapphire and that of iron results to yellow and green sapphires.
Sapphire gemstones are majorly found in the countries of Burma, India and Sri Lanka. Those from Kashmir (where the Indian sapphire comes from) are cornflower blue in color and are said to be the finest of the blue sapphires. The commonest and of light blue in color are the Sri Lankan sapphires are the most common and are typically light to medium blue in color. They are the majority of those found in the most jewelry shops. On the other hand the rarest and the most expensive ones are the pinkish orange.
The Sapphire gemstones also present in Thailand and Australia, and are normally dark blue in color. Their pricing ranges from inexpensive to average. In USA the vital source of sapphire is Montana and it’s of an appealing metallic blue in hue. Other sources of sapphire include Africa and China.
For most of the sapphire in the market nowadays, the color is intensified through a special method of heating. This is to increase the clarity and for color enrichment. This process can produce several types of sapphire those that have rutile (titanium dioxide) crystals after being heat and rapidly cooled results in them dissolving into the corundum and they becomes clearer. Colorless or pale-colored stones on the other hand after going through the process of heating in the absence of oxygen turn to rich blue color. When they are heated in the presence of oxygen, they would change into very yellow color. Most of the yellow sapphires have undergone this heat treatment.
Sapphires have played an important role historically. For example the ancient Jews considered it to be a secret message above. The Persians on the other hand held a belief that the world rests on a gigantic sapphire and that the sky is a reflection of its color. In Europe Middle Ages, it was held as a belief that it was a good antidote against poisons. The blue sapphire was considered to be the most appropriate for the ecclesiastical rings. It was known to be a holder of truth and good health.
Sapphire gemstones are considered to be rare, durable and beautiful. This beauty has stood the wheel of time. Its future is seen to be bright and it’s said to continue growing steadily to the future times. This is for the reason that it has a lasting value and admiration from many people out there. Hence this stone is used by many as a gift for their friends, and loved ones. Presentation of this jewel is very cherished and highly appreciated across many cultures in the world. Long live sapphire gemstone!
