The Encyclopedia of Crystals, Herbs, and New Age Elements: An A to Z Guide to New Age Elements and How to Use Them - Adams Media 2016

Sapphire
The Power of Stones: Crystals and Gemstones

ORIGINS

Like ruby, sapphire is a variety of the mineral corundum (aluminum oxide). Although sapphire is most recognizable in the blue variety, which gets its color from traces of titanium and iron, this stone can be almost any color, including pink, yellow, and green, as well as colorless. Another variety is star sapphire, named for its inclusions of the mineral rutile, which appear as a six-rayed star image or “asterism.” Sapphire is found in Madagascar, Sri Lanka, Myanmar (Burma), Australia, and other locations worldwide.

HISTORY/LORE

Sri Lanka has been an important source of gemstones for thousands of years and has produced some of the most famous sapphires in the world. The Star of India, exhibited at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, is a 563-carat star sapphire that is around 2 billion years old. The Logan Sapphire, named after the person who donated it to Washington, DC’s Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in 1960, is a 423-carat sapphire about the size of an egg, mounted in a silver and gold brooch setting and surrounded by twenty brilliant-cut diamonds. For centuries, sapphires have been associated with royalty, a recent example of which is the sapphire engagement ring Prince Charles gave to Diana, now worn by Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge.

USES

Healing Uses: Sapphire regulates the glands and treats blood disorders, and it also helps with sleep issues, such as insomnia. Green sapphire heals eye infections and improves eyesight. Blue sapphire connects with the throat chakra and heals the thyroid; wear it around the neck to increase these benefits. Yellow sapphire removes toxins from the body.

Magical Uses: Just as green sapphire enhances physical vision, it also improves inner vision and assists in dream recall. Wear blue sapphire at the throat to release frustration and facilitate self-expression. Star sapphire can enable a connection with extraterrestrial beings.

Feng Shui Uses: Each color of sapphire connects with a different kind of energy. Blue sapphire, for example, uses water energy, bringing regeneration and rebirth. For this reason, it should be placed in the northern area of a home or room, or in the Career/Path in Life sector. Yellow sapphire uses subdued fire energy and is most effective in the center of a home or room.

Personal/Spiritual Growth: Sapphire is the birthstone for the month of September. This stone brings peace of mind and serenity as well as spiritual power. Use sapphire for self-exploration and to increase confidence. Use it in meditation to illuminate spiritual truths.