Blue sapphire, also known as Neelam in some cultures, is a highly prized and sought-after gemstone. It belongs to the corundum family of minerals, which includes ruby. Here's everything you need to know about blue sapphire:
Appearance and Properties:
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Color: The most desirable and valuable blue sapphires exhibit a deep, intense blue color, often described as "cornflower blue." However, sapphires can come in various shades of blue, including lighter and darker blues, as well as velvety blue with a hint of violet.
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Hardness: Blue sapphire is one of the hardest gemstones, with a Mohs scale rating of 9. This makes it exceptionally durable and suitable for everyday wear.
Quality Factors: When evaluating the quality of a blue sapphire, several factors come into play:
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Color: The primary factor determining the value of a blue sapphire is its color. The more vivid, intense, and evenly distributed the blue color, the more valuable the sapphire.
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Clarity: Clarity refers to the presence of inclusions or imperfections within the stone. Inclusions can affect the stone's transparency and overall beauty. A sapphire with fewer inclusions is considered more valuable.
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Cut: The cut of the sapphire influences its brilliance and overall appearance. A well-cut sapphire should have excellent symmetry and proportions, allowing it to reflect light effectively.
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Carat Weight: Larger sapphires are rarer and, therefore, more valuable. However, the other quality factors, particularly color and clarity, still play a significant role in determining value.
Origin: The origin of a blue sapphire can also impact its value and desirability. Some famous sources for high-quality blue sapphires include Kashmir, Myanmar (Burma), Sri Lanka (Ceylon), and Madagascar.
How to Use Blue Sapphire: Blue sapphire is often used in jewelry, including rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. It is commonly worn as a gemstone in various pieces of jewelry to showcase its beauty and color. Blue sapphire jewelry, especially engagement rings, is a popular choice due to its timeless appeal.
Benefits and Beliefs: Blue sapphire is associated with various metaphysical and astrological beliefs, although it's important to note that these beliefs are not scientifically proven. Some of the commonly held beliefs about blue sapphire include:
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Astrological Significance: In astrology, blue sapphire is considered the birthstone for the month of September. It is also associated with the planet Saturn and is believed to bring luck, wealth, and protection to those born under certain zodiac signs.
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Enhancing Intuition: Some people believe that blue sapphire enhances intuition, mental clarity, and focus. It is thought to aid in decision-making and problem-solving.
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Emotional Healing: Blue sapphire is believed to have calming and soothing properties. It may help alleviate stress, anxiety, and depression while promoting emotional balance.
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Protection: In some cultures, blue sapphire is thought to protect the wearer from negative energies, evil spirits, and harm.
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Spiritual Growth: Blue sapphire is associated with spiritual growth and enlightenment, helping individuals on their spiritual journeys.