Color:
Blue is the classic, but sapphire is also available in green, bluish purple, pink, yellow, orange and parti-colored — a mix. Color-change sapphire is blue in natural light and has a purplish cast in incandescent light. Padparadscha sapphire is pinkish orange. Star sapphires have a six-pointed “star” pattern created by inclusions. Sapphire can also be clear/white, colorless.
Gem species:
Corundum
Birthstone:
September
History:
Recorded by ancient Greeks and Romans as a protection against harm and envy. Its name is from the Latin saphirus or Greek sapheiros, both words for blue.
Use in jewelry:
Due to its hardness and durability, sapphire is ideal for any jewelry application.
Mohs hardness:
9 (1 softest to 10 hardest)
Common treatments:
Heating is common to achieve better color and clarity, irradiation may be used to change color and beryllium treatments will improve or change color. Star sapphires may undergo a diffusion treatment (heat and chemical application) to boost the appearance of the star pattern. All treatments must be discolosed.
Care:
Soap and water and a soft brush, air-dry or dry with a soft cloth.
