About Sapphire
Sapphire is the blue variety of corundum (aluminium oxide) — the same mineral as ruby. Its colour ranges from pale sky blue to deep "royal" blue and is caused by trace amounts of iron and titanium. While blue is the most famous, sapphire occurs in every colour except red (which becomes ruby) — including the prized orange-pink Padparadscha.
The finest sapphires come from Kashmir (prized for their "velvety" cornflower blue), Myanmar, and Sri Lanka. The 423-carat blue Star of India, the world's largest star sapphire, is on display at the American Museum of Natural History in New York.
Sapphire Meaning & Symbolism
Sapphire has been associated with heaven and the divine since ancient times. The medieval clergy wore sapphires to represent heaven, believing they attracted heavenly blessings. In ancient Persia, it was believed the sky was blue because the Earth rested on a giant sapphire whose reflection coloured the heavens.
Sapphire is the stone of wisdom, clarity, and truth — it activates the third eye and throat chakras, facilitating honest communication and clear inner vision. It is a stone of mental discipline, helping focus the mind and release unwanted thoughts.
Healing Properties
Emotional
Sapphire brings peace of mind, serenity, and calm. It releases depression, anxiety, and unwanted thoughts. It is particularly beneficial for those who feel overwhelmed by their own thoughts — it brings the mental equivalent of a deep breath.
Spiritual
Associated with Saturn and Uranus, sapphire supports spiritual practice and the development of psychic abilities. It is said to assist in communication with spirit guides and to strengthen intuition and foresight.
Royal & Historical Significance
Princess Diana's engagement ring — a 12-carat oval blue sapphire — is now worn by Princess Catherine. Sapphires feature prominently in the British Crown Jewels, including the 104-carat Stuart Sapphire. Napoleon gave Joséphine a sapphire and diamond engagement ring in 1796. It sold at auction for nearly $1 million in 2013.