10 Surprising Facts You Might Not Know About Sapphires
Sapphires have dazzled and captivated people for centuries with their vibrant hues and legendary status. To celebrate this remarkable gemstone, here are 10 fun facts that might just make you see sapphires in a whole new light. And if you’re intrigued, don’t forget to explore our Sapphire Edit for stunning sapphire jewelry!
1) Lick for Wisdom?
Back in the Middle Ages, people believed that licking a sapphire could boost their intelligence. The idea was that the stone’s mystical powers, combined with saliva, would somehow enhance brainpower. Can you imagine giving that a try? 😆
2) Sapphires in Every Color (Except Red!)
Sapphires aren’t just blue! They come in nearly every color of the rainbow, from pink and purple to yellow, orange, and even green. The only color they can’t be? Red—that’s a ruby! September-born folks have the luxury of picking from a full spectrum. Which color speaks to you?
3) Sapphires vs. Diamonds: A Battle of Strength
On the Mohs Scale of Hardness, sapphires score an impressive 9 out of 10, just shy of diamonds, which score a perfect 10. This makes sapphires durable enough for everyday wear, including engagement rings. 💍✨
4) From Watches to Wonder
Sapphires are so tough that lab-created sapphire crystals are used in luxury watches. They’re more scratch-resistant than glass or plastic and can withstand the wear and tear of daily life—perfect for those who want a timepiece that lasts. ⌚
5) What Gives Sapphires Their Color?
Sapphires belong to the corundum family, alongside rubies. Their diverse colors come from trace elements within the stone:
Blue sapphires get their hue from iron and titanium, with darker blues containing more iron.
Yellow and green sapphires owe their shades to iron alone.
Orange sapphires contain both iron and chromium.
Pink and purple sapphires are influenced by chromium—more chromium means the stone edges closer to red, transforming it into a ruby!
6) A Royal Sapphire
Princess Diana’s iconic 12-carat blue sapphire engagement ring, gifted by Prince Charles in 1981, sparked a major trend. Today, it belongs to Kate Middleton, keeping the legacy alive. This ring modernized the traditional diamond engagement ring, turning sapphires into a sought-after alternative. 💍👑
7) The Rare Padparadscha Sapphire
One of the rarest sapphires is the padparadscha, a striking pinkish-orange gem typically found in Sri Lanka. The name comes from the Sinhalese word for “lotus flower,” inspired by the gem’s unique blend of 50% pink and 50% orange—just like a beautiful blossom.
8) Ancient Powers and Superstitions
Sapphires have long been linked to protection and power. In ancient Greece and Rome, royals wore blue sapphires to shield themselves from envy, harm, and even poisoning. Some believed the sky itself was blue because the Earth rested on a massive sapphire! 🌍💎
9) Record-Breaking Sapphire
The most expensive sapphire ever sold was the "Blue Belle of Asia," a stunning 392.52-carat sapphire necklace, which fetched an astonishing $17.5 million at a Sotheby’s auction in 2014. It’s one of the largest sapphires in the world and a true masterpiece of nature.
10) Sapphires and Symbolism in the Middle Ages
In medieval times, sapphires were symbols of Heaven, purity, and faithfulness. Clergy members often wore blue sapphires as a sign of their devotion, while betrothed couples exchanged sapphire rings to ensure fidelity. Legend even claimed that sapphires could change color if the wearer was unchaste! 😮
Today, we wear sapphires not only for their beauty but also for the personal meaning they hold for each of us. Whether it’s for protection, symbolism, or simply because they’re stunning, sapphires remain a timeless choice.
Did any of these facts surprise you? Drop a comment and let us know your favorite!
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