General
The sapphire is the birthstone for the month september and is assigned to the Zodiac signs Tausus and Virgo. The name is derived from the Greek word "sappheiros" which means blue. For years the name "sappheiros" was understood to mean today's lapis lazuli. At the beginning of the 19th century it was recognized that sapphires are corundums to which rubies belong. The corundum is on the Mohs hardness scale of 9 directly below the diamond and is consideres very durable.

Colors
The sapphire occurs in a wide variety of colors besides blue, for example yellow, green and pink. Red corundum is called ruby, all other corundum is called sapphire, with the corresponding color designation in front. For example, one speaks of a „pink sapphire“. The name sapphire without preceding color designation means the classic blue sapphire. Due to its intense blue color nuances, the sapphire is also called the gemstone of the sky. The intensity and homogeneity of the blue color have a great influence on the attractiveness and price of the stone. Traditionally, sapphires are heat banded, thereby intensifying the color and achieving a more optimal color distribution.

Places of discovery
The brilliant sapphires are mined in Ausralia, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Madagascar, Tanzania and the USA.

The sapphire as a healing stone
According to Hildegard von Bingen (1089 - 1179) the sapphire has the ability to calm the nerves and strengthen them. The sapphire has a calming effect and transmits it to the body. Positive powers are attributed to the sapphire to protect against disease, refuse anxiety disorders and calm. The sapphire also represents wisdom and peace.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------