Sapphire
Sapphire is a precious gemstone best known for its deep blue color, though it can also appear in shades of pink, yellow, green, and white. It belongs to the corundum family, the same mineral group as ruby, and is prized for its beauty, brilliance, and durability. The name “sapphire” is believed to come from the Greek word sappheiros, meaning “blue stone.”
Important sapphire sources include Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Madagascar, and Australia. Sri Lankan sapphires are especially famous for their bright and vivid blue tones.
Ranking 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, sapphires are among the hardest natural gemstones, making them ideal for everyday jewelry. Throughout history, sapphires have symbolized wisdom, loyalty, and nobility. They were often worn by royalty and religious leaders as symbols of protection and truth.
One of the world’s most famous sapphires is the engagement ring worn by Princess Diana and later by Catherine, Princess of Wales, which helped increase the gemstone’s popularity worldwide.
Recognized as the birthstone for September, sapphire continues to be treasured for its timeless elegance and rich royal color.