

: 431–707 Sapphire and rubies are often found in the same geographical settings, but they generally have different geological formations. Significant sapphire deposits are found in Australia, Afghanistan, Cambodia, Cameroon, China ( Shandong), Colombia, Ethiopia, India ( Kashmir), Kenya, Laos, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Myanmar ( Burma), Nigeria, Rwanda, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, United States ( Montana) and Vietnam. A pinkish orange variety of sapphire is called padparadscha.

Although blue is the best-known sapphire color, they occur in other colors, including gray and black, and also can be colorless. Sapphire is one of the two gem-varieties of corundum, the other being ruby (defined as corundum in a shade of red). Īn uncut, rough yellow sapphire found at the Spokane Sapphire Mine near Helena, Montana A sapphire jubilee occurs after 65 years. Sapphire is the birthstone for September and the gem of the 45th anniversary. Because of the remarkable hardness of sapphires – 9 on the Mohs scale (the third hardest mineral, after diamond at 10 and moissanite at 9.5) – sapphires are also used in some non-ornamental applications, such as infrared optical components, high-durability windows, wristwatch crystals and movement bearings, and very thin electronic wafers, which are used as the insulating substrates of special-purpose solid-state electronics such as integrated circuits and GaN-based blue LEDs. They also may be created synthetically in laboratories for industrial or decorative purposes in large crystal boules. Pink-colored corundum may be classified either as ruby or sapphire depending on locale.Ĭommonly, natural sapphires are cut and polished into gemstones and worn in jewelry. Red corundum stones also occur, but are called rubies not sapphires. It is typically blue, but natural "fancy" sapphires also occur in yellow, purple, orange, and green colors "parti sapphires" show two or more colors. The name sapphire is derived from the Latin "saphirus" and the Greek "sapheiros", both of which mean blue. Only amethyst fans may know for sure, but it's clear that purple amethyst rings, amethyst pendants, and amethyst bracelets are favorites for a reason.Sapphire is a precious gemstone, a variety of the mineral corundum, consisting of aluminium oxide ( α- Al 2 O 3) with trace amounts of elements such as iron, titanium, chromium, vanadium, or magnesium. There have been a number of mystical beliefs about what amethysts can provide in recorded history: connection to the divine, protection from overindulgence, and warding off evil thoughts and boosting intelligence. Selecting a unique ring to commemorate a special occasion or moment could make the perfect addition to a growing amethyst jewelry collection for collectors of this perfectly purple birthstone. For the February baby - of any age - in your life, amethyst rings are a perfect birthday gift, anniversary gift, or just-because gift. It may be common knowledge that amethyst is February's birthstone, but amethysts are also the stone of St.

There's a shade of amethyst to complement everyone's taste - and a ring style for every personal preference, from chic and simple to elaborate and detailed. Amethyst rings can be found in a range of purple hues, from light to dark and from red-hued purples to more cool tones. Amethyst rings range in style from classic and trendy to elaborate, bejeweled pieces, but no matter how you dress, amethyst is a timeless favorite.
