Since antiquity, this gem has been considered a sign of supreme power and the focus of many mystical properties. People have long used his power and tried to solve his riddles. Just like emerald and ruby, sapphire is rightfully called one of the most precious stones on earth.
Amrita drops
The name of the mineral comes from the ancient Greek sappheiros, and it comes from the Hebrew sappir, which means, however, the same thing - "blue". In the Vedic tradition of Ancient India, it is believed that the sapphire receives its power from the planet Saturn, and the name of the stone from Sanskrit translates as "dedicated to Saturn" or "kept by Saturn". An Indian legend tells how the gem got to people.
Once a simple mortal ventured to appeal to the god of creation Brahma with a plea to allow people to look at the Seventh Heaven with at least one eye (in Hinduism - the upper world, the abode of the gods and the enlightened ones). Brahma condescended to the request of a person and splashed drops of amrita, a drink that gives immortality, all over the world of people. As soon as they hit the ground, drops of a wonderful drink immediately turned into blue stones of extraordinary, exquisite beauty. So sapphires appeared on earth - looking at them, everyone wished to gain enlightenment and get to the Seventh Heaven. Tradition also says that most of the amrita particles landed on the island of Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), so it is there that the most noble and flawless gems are mined there.
The ancient world highly appreciated sapphires, their popularity and value were constantly increasing. In the kingdoms of Egypt, for the pharaohs and high priests, scarabs were carved from stones - a symbol of wisdom and good luck - and pectorals, signs of power and world order. The inhabitants of Ancient Persia believed that the heavenly blue is only a reflection of a giant sapphire that holds the earth. And pendants with a stone were in great demand as protection from evil witchcraft. In ancient Greece, the sparkling blue mineral was revered as belonging to the god of light, Apollo. Therefore, going for a prediction to the oracle in his Delphic sanctuary, the Greeks certainly took this stone with them: he had to give the questioner wisdom so that he would correctly interpret the advice of the gods.
In the Middle Ages, sapphire took an honorable place among gems, whose miraculous properties were recognized by Christianity. The Catholic Church considered the blue stone a symbol of piety and heavenly purity, and therefore rosary beads and bowls were made from it, they were used to decorate the bindings of sacred books and the vestments of the highest church hierarchs. After being elected to the post, the new pope received a sapphire ring, thereby, as it were, betrothed to the church.
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India, Tanzania, then - everywhere
The value of gems was not even influenced by their wide distribution across the globe: sapphire deposits can be found on every continent, except perhaps Antarctica. But most of all are traditionally valued stones mined in India, on the island of Sri Lanka or in Tanzania.
Kashmir, located in the northwestern part of Hindustan, was once known as the supplier of the most flawless sapphires in the world. They were famous for an unforgettable shade: velvety blue, slightly backlit and with a characteristic light haze inside. In terms of quality, only some of the stones of Burma and Sri Lanka come close to Kashmir gems. Unfortunately, today the Kashmir deposit is completely depleted, and therefore sapphires from it are of the highest value in the world of collectors. The Tunduru and Songea deposits in Tanzania gave their names to two types of sapphires mined there. Tunduru is the only mine in the country where blue gems are mined. The Songea minerals are known for their noble shades and a large number of examples with an asterism effect (allowing you to see a star of light rays inside the stone). And Sri Lanka is a supplier to the world jewelry market of Padparadscha sapphires, which are distinguished by a unique pink-orange color. Connoisseurs claim that the shade of padparadscha is somewhere between a vibrant ocean sunset and a delicate lotus flower.
Like other minerals, impurities of metals are “responsible” for the color of sapphire. Pure chrome gives the mineral a reddish or pinkish tone, and when mixed with iron, it will give the stone a golden glow. Titanium will make the color of the gem a deep blue.
It is this shade of sapphires that is considered classic, although it is now rarely found in nature. Interestingly, the darker the shade of blue in the stone, the lower its market value. In natural conditions, you can also find blue and yellow minerals, as well as black and almost colorless (the so-called leucosapphires).
Besides jewelry, sapphires are widely used in other branches of science and industry. In medicine, artificial eye lenses are made from it, as well as joint implants, which are known for their strength and long service life. The mineral is no less popular in aviation and rocketry: on its basis, heavy-duty glasses are created, inserted into the windows of aircraft and missiles. Surprisingly, sapphires have found a place even in electronics - they are often used as substrates for modern microcircuits.
Possibilities of the "monastic stone"
In ancient times, the gem was known as a popular medicine. In Indian Ayurveda (a treatise on medicine), it is mentioned as an effective remedy in the treatment of skin diseases and eye diseases, as well as an excellent antidote and an assistant in the elimination of epileptic seizures. Modern lithotherapists use the stone in the treatment of heart disease, relieve muscle pain, and restore the musculoskeletal system. Sapphire massage, water infused with them, and sapphire powder ointment are considered equally effective in alleviating and even eliminating various ailments.
And in occult circles, for many centuries, the gem has been revered as a carrier of the most powerful energy, which uniquely affects a person. He is able to reveal the best qualities of his master and at the same time rid him of all that is bad and base. Sapphire develops any ability for creativity, makes emotions brighter and thoughts clearer. Meditations using this mineral help the development of spirituality, concentration of the mind, and educate a person to focus on the main thing in his life. Therefore, sapphire is sometimes called "monastic stone". The stone will give strength and courage to a timid, indecisive owner in difficult situations, and at the same time protect him from slander, betrayal and evil magical effects.
By the way, only sapphires of impeccable quality are suitable for occult actions - a mineral, even with a small defect, not only does not fulfill its role, but, on the contrary, can lead to misfortune. And the greatest power in magic is believed to have asteric gems - their crossed rays make each spell several times stronger.
Some properties depend solely on the color of the sapphire. Yellow stones are the best way to neutralize the induced evil eye or damage, dispel far-fetched worries and fears. True, minerals of yellow shades cannot be worn all the time: the stone accumulates the negative taken from the owner, and it needs to be given time to dump "dark energy". Black gems are best suited for men. Such a stone makes its owner stronger, systematizes his thoughts, keeps him from reckless actions and hasty decisions. In addition, black sapphire is a recognized amulet of wealth, which helps the owner to become not only wealthy, but also just a prosperous person. Minerals of green shades awaken mercy, attentiveness and concern for others in people. If violent quarrels often occur in the house, the eldest woman in the family should wear a green stone,able to channel family energy into a peaceful channel. And blue gems are recommended to be worn more often for those who want to find a worthy marriage partner in order to live with him in love all his life.
Sapphire record holders
There are not so many really large sapphires in nature, but among them there are specimens that are truly unique in size or properties. The largest sapphire in the world is considered to be "Millennium", found in 1995 in the Madagascar mines. It originally weighed over 90,000 carats, but as a result of processing it has lost about a third of its weight. The faceted Millennium is similar in size to a volleyball. The market value of the sapphire giant hovers around the $ 180 million mark. The stone got its name not by chance: more than a hundred portraits of people who have created something outstanding for all mankind (including Shakespeare, Einstein, Michelangelo, Beethoven and others) are engraved on its surface. Now a group of investors owns the gem, and they are ready to sell their treasure only to the onewho undertakes to periodically put it on public display.
US citizen Harold Roper is known as the owner of the "Lone Star" - the largest known star mineral. The sapphire weighs much less than the Millennium - only about 10,000 carats. But since stones with an asterism effect are rare, even those that weigh five or more carats are appreciated. So in its category "Lone Star" is a real "champion".
A funny story is connected with the "Black Star of Queensland" - a black star-shaped gem found in one of the Australian mines. The first owner of this luxurious 733-carat stone had no idea about its true value, and therefore simply propped the doors with it. Only when the sapphire was accidentally noticed by a mineralogist did it become clear that there was a real treasure lying on the floor. The gem was properly cut, put up for auction and sold safely. Today, the Black Star of Queensland adorns the collection of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington.
Ekaterina KRAVTSOVA