What Is Sapphire?
Sapphire crystal is a precious gemstone that belongs to the corundum family. Corundum is an aluminum oxide mineral that occurs in a variety of colors, including yellow, purple, green, and red. However, when corundum is blue in color, it is referred to as sapphire.
Sapphire is one of the hardest minerals, just below diamond on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. It is renowned for its durability and strength, making it a popular choice for jewelry and various industrial applications. The word "sapphire" is derived from the Latin word "sapphirus" and the Greek word "sappheiros," both of which mean "blue gem."
Meaning & Uses
Sapphire crystal has been revered for centuries for its beauty and symbolic meaning. It is often associated with wisdom, royalty, and divine favor. In ancient times, sapphires were believed to protect the wearer from harm and bring good fortune. It was also seen as a symbol of nobility and used to adorn royal crowns and robes.
In addition to its historical and cultural significance, sapphire crystal holds a prominent place in the world of jewelry. It is a popular gemstone for engagement rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. Sapphire's rich blue color adds an air of elegance and sophistication to any piece of jewelry it adorns.
Beyond its ornamental uses, sapphire crystal has a wide range of industrial applications due to its hardness and scratch resistance. It is used in the manufacturing of watch faces, optical components, and scientific instruments. Its resistance to scratches and toughness make it an ideal material for these applications.
Properties
Sapphire crystal possesses several notable properties that contribute to its desirability and versatility. Here are a few key properties of sapphire:
Healing
Sapphire crystal holds various healing properties that are believed to benefit the wearer. It is thought to promote mental clarity and enhance focus and perception. Sapphire is also associated with relieving stress and anxiety, promoting serenity and tranquility.
In terms of physical healing, sapphire crystal is believed to aid in the treatment of eye-related ailments and support the overall health of the eyes. It is also associated with reducing inflammation and improving blood circulation.
Metaphysical
Metaphysically, sapphire crystal is believed to enhance intuition and psychic abilities. It is used to stimulate the Third Eye Chakra, which is associated with inner vision, spiritual awareness, and insight. This enhanced spiritual connection is said to enable the wearer to tap into their inner wisdom and connect with higher realms of consciousness.
Sapphire crystal is also linked to the Throat Chakra, which governs communication and self-expression. By balancing and activating the Throat Chakra, sapphire is believed to support clear and articulate communication, promoting self-expression and enhancing interpersonal relationships.
Benefits
The use of sapphire crystal offers several benefits to those who wear or interact with it. Some notable benefits of sapphire include:
- Protection: Sapphire is believed to protect the wearer from negative energies and psychic attacks. It creates a shield of spiritual protection and promotes a sense of security.
- Wisdom and Clarity: Sapphire is associated with wisdom and intellectual clarity. It is believed to enhance mental acuity, making it an excellent stone for students, scholars, and anyone seeking to improve their decision-making abilities.
- Emotional Balance: Sapphire is thought to have a calming effect on the emotions, promoting emotional balance and stability. It can help alleviate feelings of anxiety, stress, and depression, fostering a sense of calm and tranquility.
- Spiritual Growth: The metaphysical properties of sapphire crystal support spiritual growth and enhance spiritual awareness. It facilitates the development of psychic abilities, intuition, and spiritual insight.
Color
While sapphire crystal is most commonly known for its vibrant blue color, it can be found in a range of hues. The intensity and shade of the blue can vary, ranging from light cornflower blue to deep royal blue. Other colors of sapphire, such as pink, green, yellow, and purple, are referred to as fancy sapphires.
The blue color of sapphire is due to the presence of trace amounts of iron and titanium in the mineral. The different hues of sapphire are determined by the concentration of these trace elements.
FAQs
Let's explore some frequently asked questions about sapphire crystal:
Is sapphire a birthstone?
Yes, sapphire is one of the birthstones for the month of September. It is believed to bring wisdom, insight, and protection to those born in this month.
What chakra is associated with sapphire?
Sapphire is primarily associated with the Third Eye Chakra and the Throat Chakra. It supports spiritual awareness, intuition, and communication.
How do you charge sapphire?
To charge sapphire crystal, you can place it in direct sunlight or moonlight for a few hours. You can also use other crystals such as selenite or clear quartz to assist in the charging process. Visualize positive energy flowing into the sapphire while holding it and setting your intention for its use.