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Some Interesting and Unknown Facts about Sapphires

Sapphire, the birthstone for September, is widely regarded as one of the finest gemstones on the planet. Its exceptional quality can be attributed to a number of factors, making it a highly sought-after stone. In this article, we will explore some fascinating and noteworthy facts about sapphire.

 

  • Sapphire, the birthstone for September, is widely regarded as one of the finest gemstones on the planet. Its exceptional quality can be attributed to several factors, making it a highly sought-after stone. In this article, we will explore some fascinating and noteworthy facts about sapphire.
  • When it comes to scratching a Sapphire, only a Diamond is capable of doing so. This is because Sapphire is the second hardest gemstone on Earth, with a rating of 9 on the MOH's Scale of Hardness, second only to Diamond, which has a rating of 10.
  • The robust blue color of Sapphire is attributed to the presence of iron and titanium minerals. This hue is commonly associated with the sky and is thought to be reminiscent of Sapphire reflections shimmering across it.
  • During the Middle Ages, it was believed that wearing Sapphire could protect against evil and witchcraft. Additionally, it was ground into a powder and used as an antidote to poison due to the belief that it possessed curative properties and could elevate the sick to a higher level of health.
  • Sapphire, which is the same mineral as Ruby, is typically found in larger carat weights and has superior clarity compared to Ruby.
  • Some Sapphires display a starburst effect, known as “Star Sapphires,” caused by the presence of rutile or white silk.
  •  Sapphire is the designated Zodiac gemstone for Pisces, Taurus, Virgo, and Sagittarius.
  • To enhance both their colour and clarity, the most authentic Sapphires undergo heat treatment.
  • Sapphire, along with Ruby and Emerald, is one of the three "Precious Gemstones."
  • Sir Richard Francis Burton, the renowned Oriental traveller, carried a star Sapphire as a talisman that brought him good luck and health on his journeys.
  • The Millennium Sapphire discovered in Madagascar, weighing an astonishing 61,500 carats, is the largest certified Sapphire ever cut and is recognized by Guinness World Records.
  • Sapphire became the sole official birthstone September in 1912.

  • Sapphires exhibit pleochroism, which means that observing them from two distinct angles, such as a top view and a side view, can produce two completely different colours; one angle may reveal green, while another angle may show blue.
  • The most desirable and valuable Sapphire gemstones are intense deep blue in color, but not so dark that they appear black. These gemstones are best viewed under natural daylight and are typically mined in Kashmir, Burma, and Sri Lanka (formerly known as Ceylon).

 

To get hands on certified natural gemstones, get in touch with Khanna Gems today.