What exactly are Sapphires?
The definition of a Sapphire is as follows: • The word Sapphire is derived from the Greek word “sappheiros” which means “precious stone”. Sapphires are the blue transparent variety of corundum, highly prized as a gem • Like diamonds, gemstones are graded by color, cut, clarity and carat weight. • The Sapphire is a member of the Corundum (aluminum oxide) family. Crystal structure of the Sapphire, the September birthstone, is hexagonal (trigonal), dipyramidal • It is one of the four precious gemstones, the other three are diamonds, rubies, and emeraldsThe Colors of Sapphires Sapphires come in a wide range of natural colors and shades. Sapphires are available in every color but red. Sapphires in colors other than blue are often referred to as fancy sapphires. The most valuable sapphires have a medium intense, vivid blue color. Black, gray, or green overtones mixed in with the blue will reduce a stone’s value. A more pastel blue would be less preferred than a vivid blue but would still be
