Sapphire

Sapphire is a precious gemstone known for its striking blue color, though it can also come in various other colors, except for red (red varieties of corundum are classified as rubies). It belongs to the corundum mineral family, which is composed of aluminum oxide. Sapphires are treasured for their beauty, durability, and symbolic significance. Here are some key aspects of sapphires:

1. Color: The most famous color associated with sapphires is blue, ranging from deep royal blue to lighter shades. However, sapphires can also be found in a spectrum of colors including pink, yellow, green, orange, and even colorless (referred to as "white sapphire"). The term "padparadscha" is used to describe a unique pink-orange hue found in some sapphires.
2. Hardness: Sapphires are a durable gemstone with a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, making them one of the hardest naturally occurring minerals after diamonds. This durability makes sapphires well-suited for everyday jewelry wear.
3. Transparency: Sapphires are typically transparent to translucent, allowing light to pass through and exhibit their brilliance and color.
4. Origins: Sapphires are found in several countries around the world, with notable sources including Sri Lanka, Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, Madagascar, Australia, and various regions in Africa.