SAPPHIRE, the non-red variety of corundum

  Like: Share:  

VARIETY INFORMATION:

  • VARIETY OF: Corundum , Al2O3 .
  • USES: Gemstone.
  • BIRTHSTONE FOR: September
  • COLOR: various colors, except for red.
  • INDEX OF REFRACTION: 1.76 - 1.78
  • BIREFRINGENCE: 0.009
  • HARDNESS: 9
  • CLEAVAGE: none, although there is a rhombic parting
  • CRYSTAL SYSTEM: trigonal
  • PLEOCHROIC: strongly
  • For natural sapphire mineral specimens see our For Sale or Sold lists
    For Sapphire Jewelry, see --> SAPPHIRE JEWELRY

Sapphire is the non-red variety of corundum, the second hardest natural mineral known to mankind. The red variety of corundum is Ruby - all other colors are called sapphire, even pink.

Sapphires are well known among the general public as being blue, but can be nearly any color, even colorless. White (or colorless but massive) sapphire would more properly be called corundum. The blue color is by far the most popular color for sapphire but orange-pink, golden, white, and even black have generated much interest in the gem trade. Oriented rutile crystal inclusions cause a six-pointed-star light effect (called asterism) to form the popular Star Sapphire. 

Many of the finest watches have crystal faces made of colorless artificial sapphire - these are extremely durable and scratch resistant.

One interesting bit of trivia - sapphire is aluminum oxide, and aluminum is a highly reactive metal. Any freshly exposed surface of aluminum is quickly oxidized to corundum (sapphire), so it can be said that your lawn chair (or screen door, or any other aluminum object) is coated with sapphire.

Sapphire Jewelry Powered by Bizrate - Hover over an item for more information
Yellow Sapphire & Diamond Martini Glass Pendant
Fine yellow sapphire & white diamond Martini-Glass pendant/charm. The pendant is made of highly polished 18k white gold and measures 15mm x 15mm.Only $275.00 at Bell Jewels
no photoYellow Sapphire & Diamond Martini Glass Pendant
$275.00
Bell Jewels
Ross-Simons .80ct t.w. Sapphire, 96.60ct t.w. Apatite Tassel Earrings In Vermeil
Not just for special occasions, these .80 ct. t.w. sapphire and 96.60 ct. t.w. apatite tassel earrings are perfect for any occasion. Earwires, vermeil* earrings. *18kt gold-plated sterling silver.Only $191.25 at Ross-Simons
no photoRoss-Simons .80ct t.w. Sapphire, 96.60ct t.w. Apatite Tassel Earrings In Vermeil
$191.25
Ross-Simons
Ross-Simons Lapis Doublet Pendant With Sapphires In Vermeil
Clear rock crystal set over lapis creates a glistening focal point for this artful lapis doublet pendant with sapphires. Hammered vermeil embellished with deep blue sapphires. Pendant with 1.40 ct. t.w. sapphires. Vermeil* pendant. *18kt gold-plated...Only $146.25 at Ross-Simons
no photoRoss-Simons Lapis Doublet Pendant With Sapphires In Vermeil
$146.25
Ross-Simons
Blue Sapphire&Diamond Stud Earrings 18k White Gold
Beautiful round-cut, blue Sapphires are set in highly-polished 18k white gold. Accented with brilliant white diamonds, these studs are truly captivating.Only $419.00 at Bell Jewels
no photoBlue Sapphire&Diamond Stud Earrings 18k White Gold
$419.00
Bell Jewels
Ross-Simons 120.00 Carat Rough-Cut Sapphire Pendant In Sterling Silver
Here's a mega-gem for maximum effect, our 120.00 carat oval sapphire pendant features a sapphire that's been rough-cut and gleams with mysterious allure. Sterling silver pendant. Sapphire birthstones are the perfect gift for September birthdays.Only $221.25 at Ross-Simons
no photoRoss-Simons 120.00 Carat Rough-Cut Sapphire Pendant In Sterling Silver
$221.25
Ross-Simons
John Hardy Dragon-Head Ring
Naga means "dragon" in Balinese and is a symbol of health and prosperity. With intricate dragon detailing, delightfully dark black sapphire, and red spinel accents, who knows what will come your way when you wear this John Hardy ring? From the Naga...Only $795.00 at Neiman Marcus
no photoJohn Hardy Dragon-Head Ring
$795.00
Neiman Marcus
Created Sapphire Heart Ring with Diamonds 1.73 Carat (ctw) in 10K White Gold
FREE Shipping! Created Sapphire Heart Ring with Diamonds 1.73 Carat (ctw) in 10K White Gold #08JP068972CSAW. Three blue sapphire hearts shape the aesthetic on this attractive heart ring made with stunning white gold. The additional presence of diamonds...Only $249.00 at MyJewelryBox.com
no photoCreated Sapphire Heart Ring with Diamonds 1.73 Carat (ctw) in 10K White Gold
$249.00
MyJewelryBox.com
King Baby Studio Skull-Coin Sapphire Necklace
Pay your way with this King Baby Studio necklace. A menacing skull and crossbones coin dangles from a strand of faceted sapphire beads, an elegant design that never loses its edge. Sterling silver. 5mm faceted sapphire beads. Coin pendant with skull...Only $560.00 at Neiman Marcus
no photoKing Baby Studio Skull-Coin Sapphire Necklace
$560.00
Neiman Marcus
Anahit Band, Round Sapphire Sterling Silver Ring with Pink Tourmaline & Ruby
This band designed by Ruzanna Davtian inspired by an ancient goddess of fertility and birth is forged by hand and hammer set with five gemstones.Only $246.00 at Gemvara
no photoAnahit Band, Round Sapphire Sterling Silver Ring with Pink Tourmaline & Ruby
$246.00
Gemvara
Australian Opal Cross with Pink Sapphire
Metal: Silver .925Size: 4.2 cms x 2.2 cms.Metal Finish: RhodiumStone/s: Australian Opal + Pink Sapphire + CZ This item usually arrives in 2-3 business days. Arrival date depends on the item selected.Shipping via FedEx Express Worldwide.Only $129.74 at Silver Best Buy
no photoAustralian Opal Cross with Pink Sapphire
$129.74
Silver Best Buy
Two Hearts Ring, Sterling Silver Ring with Pink Sapphire & Aquamarine
Two hearts meet in one simply perfect ring style. Create this style in your birthstones to add extra meaning.Only $218.00 at Gemvara
no photoTwo Hearts Ring, Sterling Silver Ring with Pink Sapphire & Aquamarine
$218.00
Gemvara
Ross-Simons 8.50ct Sapphire, .10ct t.w. Diamond Drop Necklace In Silver. 18
A favorite everyday look designed with a single faceted, rough-cut, 8.50 carat sapphire and .10 ct. t.w. diamond trimmings. Sterling silver necklace. Sapphire birthstones are the perfect gift for September birthdays.Only $125.00 at Ross-Simons
no photoRoss-Simons 8.50ct Sapphire, .10ct t.w. Diamond Drop Necklace In Silver. 18
$125.00
Ross-Simons
Written in the Stars Ring, Sterling Silver Ring with Pink Sapphire
Two stars, destined to shine together in this ring that will remind you of the night you met.Only $192.00 at Gemvara
no photoWritten in the Stars Ring, Sterling Silver Ring with Pink Sapphire
$192.00
Gemvara
Lover's Knot Ring, Sterling Silver Ring with Citrine & Sapphire
Two knots intertwine in an unending braid that symbolizes the love that ties you together. Two gems, two people, forever. Add your birthstones for extra significance.Only $234.00 at Gemvara
no photoLover's Knot Ring, Sterling Silver Ring with Citrine & Sapphire
$234.00
Gemvara
Alyssa Ring, Pear Peridot Sterling Silver Ring with White Sapphire
Like one perfect tear of joy, a pear-shaped gemstone shines in this classic design. Two side gems add brilliance.Only $171.00 at Gemvara
no photoAlyssa Ring, Pear Peridot Sterling Silver Ring with White Sapphire
$171.00
Gemvara
See More Sapphire Jewelry Selections at Bizrate
This Site Awarded
Available SAPPHIRE specimens:
SAPPHIRE specimen SAP-25
$ 57.00
Dims: 0.90x0.37x0.29in (2.28x0.93x0.74cm) .... Wt: 0.070oz (2.00g) .... Loc: Ratnapura, Sri Lanka
While not of gem quality, this is a very nice isolated sapphire crystal. It is pale blue and transparent, but has a myriad of inclusions marring its clarity. The tip has a tiny bit of damage, visible as a small cleavage area, which makes this crystal relatively sharp. It is in a thumbnail display box.
no photo
SAP-25
$ 57.00
no photo
see this List of ALL specimens including SOLD ones
 
Copyright ©1995-2012 by Amethyst Galleries, Inc.
Site design & programming by galleries.com web services