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Blue Sapphire

Blue sapphire, a member of the corundum family, gets its name from the Latin sapphirus and the Greek sappherious (blue).  Sapphire comes in many colors including blue, green, pink, violet, yellow, gray and the shades in between. All colors of corundum except red (ruby) are considered to be sapphire.  Blue sapphire gets its color from titanium and iron oxides.  Black sapphire is usually colored by magnetite, hematite or spinel.

Lore

Medicinally, blue sapphire is thought to cure eye problems.

Persians believed the earth rested on a giant sapphire, the sky reflecting its color. Thusly sapphire became known as the gem of the heavens.

The Greeks associated sapphire with Apollo, god of music, prophecy, and medicine.  And they wore it when consulting the oracles.

Ancient Buddhists believed that sapphire fostered devotion and enlightenment.

In the 12^th century, the Bishop of Rennes initiated its use in ecclesiastical rings.

Toward the end of the middle ages sapphire was used as protection against harm and to protect the owner's honor and reputation.

"This mineral can be used to rid one of unwanted thoughts and to bring joy and peace of mind via opening the mind to beauty and intuition.  The sapphire brings lightness and joy, with depth of beauty and thought, to the user/wearer." ¹

Sapphire is one of the birthstones for September.

Other Sapphires

Orange sapphire, also known as padparadschah, enhances wisdom.

Pink sapphire brings love and loyalty. 

Star Sapphire fosters independence. 

White sapphire is thought to enable spiritual development. 

Yellow sapphire enhances mental ability and memory.

1)  A. Melody "Love Is in the Earth: A Kaleidoscope of Crystals" pg. 385

Interested in the healing properties of gems and minerals?  "Crystal Enlightenment" by

Katrina Raphaell is considered to be one of the best references on the subject.