Sapphire is a precious gemstone from the corundum mineral family, renowned for its durability, brilliance, and rich colors. While most commonly associated with blue, sapphires can be found in a variety of hues, except red (which are classified as rubies).

Key Characteristics:

1. Color:

• The most iconic sapphire is blue, ranging from light sky blue to deep royal blue. The most prized color is often referred to as “cornflower blue” or “royal blue.”

• Sapphires also occur in other colors, known as fancy sapphires, including pink, yellow, green, orange, purple, and colorless (white sapphires).

• The rare Padparadscha Sapphire exhibits a delicate blend of pink and orange and is highly coveted.

2. Clarity:

• High-quality sapphires are typically free of significant inclusions, though some inclusions (like silk) can enhance their beauty.

3. Cut:

• Sapphires are cut into various shapes, such as oval, cushion, and round cuts, to highlight their color and brilliance.

4. Durability:

• With a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, sapphires are second only to diamonds in durability, making them ideal for