History of the Birthstone Sapphire

birthstone sapphire

Throughout history, sapphire has been associated with royalty, wisdom, and protection. It has also been known to provide peace and relief from stress. In fact, it is one of the most popular birthstones.

This gemstone is a hard stone, registering nine on the Mohs hardness scale. It is part of the corundum family and is often treated to improve its color. It is found in many different places, including Sri Lanka, Australia, Myanmar, Thailand, and China. The best quality sapphires come from these locations.

A very famous sapphire is on display in the British Crown Jewels in the Tower of London. It was once owned by Edward the Confessor and was part of his Imperial State Crown. It was worn by Queen Victoria in 1838.

In the Middle Ages, priests wore sapphires to represent heaven. They believed that the stones would reveal a person’s true character and help them avoid temptation. They were also said to help the wearer see into the future.

In ancient Greece, sapphires were associated with the gods Apollo and Zeus. They were also said to protect kings from injury and envy. The oracles wore blue sapphires as well. The ancient Persians believed that Earth rested on a giant sapphire. It was also thought that poisonous creatures could die in a sapphire jar.

Today, sapphire is used in electrical insulators and screen monitors. It is also a popular gemstone for engagement rings. The price of a sapphire depends on its cut and clarity. It is often heated to make it more colorful. However, the treatment can cause some damage.