SAPPHIRE, the non-red variety of corundum

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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
Natural Beauty Blue Sapphire Necklace And Bracelet Set
The precious sapphire has been treasured by royalty since ancient times for its exquisite deep blue color and enduring strength. Now the raw beauty of the sapphire is exquisitely celebrated in this dramatic blue sapphire necklace and bracelet set, a...Only $159.00 at The Bradford Exchange Online
no photoNatural Beauty Blue Sapphire Necklace And Bracelet Set
$159.00
The Bradford Exchange Online
Liana Ring with Five Gems, Sterling Silver Ring with Amethyst & Pink Sapphire
This lovely leafy vine ring twines across the finger. Five brilliant gems bloom among the leaves.Only $225.00 at Gemvara
no photoLiana Ring with Five Gems, Sterling Silver Ring with Amethyst & Pink Sapphire
$225.00
Gemvara
M.C.L. Designs 3.35ct t.w. Purple Amethyst, 1.26ct t.w. Pink Sapphire Earrings
M.C.L. designs combine a love of fine arts and antiques with a flair for the colorful, the opulent and the adventurous. The result is a sensational bohemian-luxe collection of fine jewelry designs. Presented here is a trendy pair of 3.35 ct. t.w....Only $355.00 at Ross-Simons
no photoM.C.L. Designs 3.35ct t.w. Purple Amethyst, 1.26ct t.w. Pink Sapphire Earrings
$355.00
Ross-Simons
Queen of Diamonds Ring, Sterling Silver Ring with Amethyst & White Sapphire
Lovely sculpted diamond shapes hold sparkling gems in this bold but delicate band ring.Only $222.00 at Gemvara
no photoQueen of Diamonds Ring, Sterling Silver Ring with Amethyst & White Sapphire
$222.00
Gemvara
Liana Ring with Three Gems, Sterling Silver Ring with Blue Topaz & Pink Sapphire
This lovely leafy vine ring twines across the finger. Three brilliant gems bloom among the leaves.Only $193.00 at Gemvara
no photoLiana Ring with Three Gems, Sterling Silver Ring with Blue Topaz & Pink Sapphire
$193.00
Gemvara
Ross-Simons .25ct t.w. Pink Sapphire Open Heart Pendant Necklace. 18
We love this open heart pendant necklace and the symbolism that it holds. What a beautiful reminder that when your heart is open, anything can happen! The .25 ct. t.w. pink sapphire accents add the right amount of color and shine. Polished 14kt white...Only $122.50 at Ross-Simons
no photoRoss-Simons .25ct t.w. Pink Sapphire Open Heart Pendant Necklace. 18
$122.50
Ross-Simons
Ross-Simons 5.20ct t.w. Sapphire, .40ct t.w. Diamond Earrings In Silver
We love the majestic look and feel of these simply styled, elegant 5.20 ct. t.w. pear-shaped sapphire earrings. Beautifully embellished with .40 ct. t.w. round diamonds. Clutch/post, polished sterling silver earrings. Sapphire birthstones are the...Only $136.50 at Ross-Simons
no photoRoss-Simons 5.20ct t.w. Sapphire, .40ct t.w. Diamond Earrings In Silver
$136.50
Ross-Simons
Anahit Band, Round Sapphire Sterling Silver Ring with Green Tourmaline & Citrine
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 $214.00 at Gemvara
no photoAnahit Band, Round Sapphire Sterling Silver Ring with Green Tourmaline & Citrine
$214.00
Gemvara
Split Bamboo Ring, Sterling Silver Ring with Sapphire
The open band of this stylish ring by Martha Gomez Gutierrez cradles a brilliant bezel-set gem.Only $204.00 at Gemvara
no photoSplit Bamboo Ring, Sterling Silver Ring with Sapphire
$204.00
Gemvara
Anahit Band, Round Citrine Sterling Silver Ring with Sapphire
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 $215.00 at Gemvara
no photoAnahit Band, Round Citrine Sterling Silver Ring with Sapphire
$215.00
Gemvara
Ross-Simons 4.80 ct. t.w. Sapphire Hoop Earrings With Diamonds In Two-Tone
Colorful, versatile, affordable, our 4.80 ct. t.w. sapphire hoop earrings twinkle with .10 ct. t.w. diamonds, too! Snap-bar, vermeil* and sterling silver earrings with black and yellow rhodium finishes. *18kt gold-plated sterling silver. Sapphire...Only $140.00 at Ross-Simons
no photoRoss-Simons 4.80 ct. t.w. Sapphire Hoop Earrings With Diamonds In Two-Tone
$140.00
Ross-Simons
Split Bamboo Three-Stone Ring, Sterling Silver Ring with Blue Topaz & Sapphire
The open band of this stylish ring by Martha Gomez Gutierrez cradles three brilliant bezel-set gems.Only $212.00 at Gemvara
no photoSplit Bamboo Three-Stone Ring, Sterling Silver Ring with Blue Topaz & Sapphire
$212.00
Gemvara
10k Gold Blue Sapphire and Diamond Accent Ring, Size 10,5,6,7,8,9, Size 10,5,6,7,8,9
10% Off & Free Shipping on Any Size Order Rated by 25,000+ Customers. Set the mood with sparkling sapphire. This sapphire band with a diamond accent fits any occasion. 1.12 carats T.W. of sapphires. 10k gold. Sizes 5-10. Keywords: gold, gold and...Only $119.99 at PalmBeachJewelry
no photo10k Gold Blue Sapphire and Diamond Accent Ring, Size 10,5,6,7,8,9, Size 10,5,6,7,8,9
$119.99
PalmBeachJewelry
Delicate Claddagh Ring, Sterling Silver Ring with Pink Sapphire
This design is a slim version of the traditional Irish Claddagh Ring, which is given as a token of love or of marriage. The heart symbolizes love, the hands friendship and the crown, loyalty.Only $182.00 at Gemvara
no photoDelicate Claddagh Ring, Sterling Silver Ring with Pink Sapphire
$182.00
Gemvara
Heart's Rest Pendant, Sterling Silver Necklace with White Sapphire
A gem is held close to your heart in this romantic pendant style by Ji Hwang.Only $164.00 at Gemvara
no photoHeart's Rest Pendant, Sterling Silver Necklace with White Sapphire
$164.00
Gemvara
See More Sapphire Jewelry Selections at Bizrate
 


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