Sapphire is the gem-variety of Corundum. It is one of the rarest and most valuable precious gemstones. It is a very desirable gemstone due to its excellent colour, hardness, durability, and lustre. Sapphire is either faceted or cabochon i.e. dome-shape for use in rings, pendants, ear rings and pins. It may be linked between expanses of chains for wrist or neckwear.

Sapphire is the birthstone of Virgo. The timeframe starts from 22 August - 22 September. It is the anniversary gemstone for the 5th and 45th year of marriage.

Origin of Sapphire
The ancient Persians believed that the earth rested on a giant sapphire whose reflection gave the sky its colour. According to a historian, Sapphire was worn by kings of ancient times to protect them from harm. It was also believed that sapphire would protect the wearer from envy and attract divine favour. Legend has it that if a poisonous snake is put into a vessel along with a sapphire, the rays from the gem would kill it. The sapphire was an antidote against poison.

Appearance of Sapphire
At one time, any blue gem material was called sapphire. Fine, needle-like inclusions are the things that give sapphires their velvety quality. These inclusions are often numerous enough to make the stone translucent and are oriented properly. The finest sapphire colour is rich, velvety cornflower blue. This is called "Kashmir" out of deference to the traditional source of the finest quality. Currently this gem is produced in Sri Lanka, Burma, Thailand, Montana, Australia and Africa.

Colours of Sapphire
Sapphires are found in a variety of colours. People generally think that sapphires are blue in colour. However; colourless, pink, orange, green, golden, yellow, purple and black are also available. Corundum, which is sapphires mineral name, occurs in red, but this is known as Ruby. A particularly lovely pinkish-orange is referred to as "Padparadscha Sapphire", which is taken from the Sinhalese for lotus-coloured. Nowadays, sapphire is classified by its colour in the gem trade i.e. green colour sapphire is "Green Sapphire". Colourless sapphire is usually called "White Sapphire".

Varieties of Sapphire
There are some varieties of sapphire. One of them can be mentioned as "Kashmir Sapphire". These are the sapphires with a distinct velvety-blue colour. "Cornflower Blue Sapphire" is another variety. "Star Sapphire" is the one displaying asterism. There is some colour changing Sapphire. This Sapphire exhibits a different colour in natural and artificial light. "Bi-coloured Sapphire" is the Sapphire with more than one colour. "Cat"s Eye Sapphire" is basically the Sapphires exhibiting cat"s eye effect, "Fancy Sapphire" is known as any sapphire with a colour other than blue. "Verneuil Sapphire" is synthetic and laboratory-grown sapphire.

Benefits of Sapphire
Sapphire gemstone also opens up the Ajna Chakra. This Chakra opens up the pituitary gland and builds imagination and creative abilities. It is known to bring greater wellbeing, life span, achievement and mental peace. Wearing a Blue Sapphire that has flaws can lead to accidents, health problems and fall from grace.