Sapphire Gemstone Symbolism Facts & Meaning: Zodiac, Superstitions, Dreams, and Legends
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Sapphire Gemstone Facts and History
Sapphire is a precious gemstone belonging to the mineral corundum family. It is a variety of aluminum oxide, just like the ruby gemstone. The word “Sapphire” is from the Latin word “sapphirus,” which means “blue.” It also comes in other colors like pink, yellow, green, orange, and purple, which are a result by the presence of other elemental content. In terms of durability, Sapphire ranks 9 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness.
Sapphires, along with rubies, have been associated with wealth and royalty for centuries. In ancient Greece and Rome, for instance, these gems are owned by royalty and believed to protect them from harm and envy. During the Middle Ages, clerics wore Sapphires as it symbolized Heaven.
Industrially speaking, in the 1980s, Australia was the source for about 70% of the world’s Sapphires, mostly from New South Wales. As mining became more common, Sapphires have been mined in many countries, such as Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Madagascar, and Thailand. However, the most significant source of Sapphires is Kashmir, a region in India, which is famous for producing some of the world’s finest Sapphires. Another significant source of Sapphires is Burma (now Myanmar), which is known for its vivid blue Sapphires.
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Sapphire Gemstone Uses
Sapphires are often used in jewelry, including engagement rings and wedding bands. The durability and beauty of Sapphires make them an ideal choice for daily wear. Sapphires are also used in watches, especially high-end luxury watches, due to their durability and scratch-resistant properties.
Apart from their use in jewelry, Sapphires also have industrial uses. Due to their hardness and heat resistance, they are used as windows or transparent covers in high-tech applications such as electronics, laser technology, and aerospace engineering.
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Sapphire Gemstone Spiritual Meaning and Symbolism
For centuries, the Sapphire has been revered as a symbol of the heavens, a bestower of truth, a promoter of good health, and a keeper of chastity. The traditional blue Sapphire represents loyalty, wisdom, truth, sincerity, and faithfulness in both religious and personal relationships, which is why it is so popular in engagement rings.
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Sapphire Gemstone Symbolism of Different Shapes and Forms
Sapphires come in various shapes and forms, each with its symbolism. The round-cut Sapphire symbolizes eternity and everlasting love, making it a popular choice for engagement rings. The oval-cut Sapphire represents femininity and elegance. The cushion-cut Sapphire symbolizes luxury and opulence, while the pear-shaped Sapphire represents sophistication and style.
Moreover, Sapphire is known as the wisdom stone, which means that each color has its own particular association of wisdom. For example, yellow Sapphires are said to enhance intellectual abilities, creativity, and intuition, while purple ones are associated with spiritual insight, intuition, and psychic awareness.
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Sapphire Gemstone Symbolism in Different Cultures
In many cultures throughout history, Sapphires play a significant role in enriching it. In ancient Greece and Rome, Sapphires were believed to protect the wearer from harm and envy. They were also believed to have healing properties and were used to cure ailments like eye infections and mental illnesses.
Ancient Persians believe that Sapphires represent the heavens, and people wore them to gain favor from the gods. While in Hinduism, Sapphires represent the planet Saturn, believed to bring good luck and prosperity to the wearer.
Moreover, in Christianity, Sapphires symbolize the heavens and were believed to protect the wearer from impure thoughts. And in the Middle Ages, they are believed to have the power to ward off evil spirits and protect the wearer from harm.
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Sapphire Gemstone in Combination with other Gems
Sapphires are often paired with diamonds, creating a stunning combination of blue and white. This combination is popular in engagement rings and other pieces of fine jewelry. Sapphires also pair well with other colored gemstones, such as rubies and emeralds, creating unique and colorful pieces of jewelry.
Astrologically speaking, pairing blue Sapphire with gemstones like Lapiz Lazuli and Azurite can enhance mental abilities, attract surreal wisdom and restore harmony while pairing yellow Sapphire with Ruby can help attract wealth, peace, and even professional success.
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Sapphire Gemstone Birthstone and Zodiac Sign
Sapphires are the birthstone for the month of September, making them an ideal gift for people born in this month. Sapphires are also the zodiac stone for those born under the sign of Taurus.
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Sapphire Gemstone in Dreams
In dreams, Sapphires represent wisdom, inner peace, and spiritual enlightenment. Seeing a Sapphire in a dream may indicate that the dreamer is on the path to self-discovery and inner growth. Other possible analogies are needing protection, receiving prosperity, or hoping for healing.
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Sapphire Gemstone Omens and Superstitions
Sapphires have been associated with various superstitions throughout history. In ancient times, Sapphires were believed to have healing properties and were used to cure ailments like eye infections and mental illnesses. Whereas in the Middle Ages, Sapphires were believed to have the power to ward off evil spirits and protect the wearer from harm.
There is also a superstition that Sapphires bring bad luck to those who are not born in September. This belief has led to some people avoiding Sapphires altogether, especially if they believe that wearing them will bring them bad luck.
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Sapphire Gemstone Mythology and Folklore
Sapphires have played a significant role in mythology throughout history. In Greek mythology, Sapphires were believed to be tears of the god Apollo. According to the myth, Apollo wept tears of remorse for causing the death of a mortal named Hyacinth. As his tears fell to the ground, they turned into Sapphires.
Blue Sapphires, according to ancient Persians, were chips from a massive pedestal that supported the earth reflected in the color of the sky. In Hindu mythology, Sapphire was considered one of the “great gems” and it was used in the naoratna and panchratna jewels offered in temples for worship, combining all the powerful astrological influences.
In conclusion, the Sapphire Gemstone is a valuable and significant gem that has played an important role in many cultures throughout history. Despite their association with superstitions, Sapphires continue to be a popular gemstone, valued for their beauty, symbolism, and cultural significance.
