Corundum is the parent name for the variety gemstones Ruby and Sapphire. It is difficult to believe that Ruby, with its intense red colour, and the royal blue Sapphire are the same mineral. The names Ruby and Sapphire mean red and blue respectively. The first is derived from the Latin ‘rubber’ and the second from ‘sapphirus,’ which derives from a Greek word of similar spelling. Similar words are found in Persian and Hebrew, and the primary derivation, through uncertain, may have been Sanskrit. The name Corundum is derived from the Hindu word ‘kurand’ or ‘kuruvinda.’ and sapphire. 

Sapphire

Sapphires have been called both ‘the gem of the soul’ and ‘the gem of autumn,’ and were said to preserve the wearer from envy and to attract divine favour. Sapphire occurs in all colours except red (which is ruby).  When used on its own, the name implies blue Sapphire. All other Sapphires should be described by colour – i.e. green Sapphire.

Major localities include Sri Lanka, Australia, Kashmir, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia and the USA.

There are a number of notable Sapphires, among them the St Edward’s Sapphire and the Stuart Sapphire, both of which are companions to the Black Prince’s Ruby in the Imperial State Crown.  In the American Museum of Natural History is a 536 carat star Sapphire known as the Star of India, and a smaller black star Sapphire called the Midnight Star, weighing 116 carats.

• Sapphire is the birthstone for September
• Sapphire is the Zodiac stone for Taurus
• Sapphire jewellery is often given to celebrate a 5th Wedding Anniversary, and traditionally marks the 45th Wedding Anniversary

View Sapphire Jewellery at Astley Clarke