Corundum
Blue sapphire
HindiNeelamAlsoSapphire
✦One of the Navratna, traditionally associated with Saturn (Shani)
Blue corundum. Every colour of corundum except red is called sapphire, but the classic stone is a deep, even blue that holds its colour in any light.
- Mineral
- Corundum, aluminium oxide
- Colour from
- Traces of iron and titanium
- Hardness
- 9 on the Mohs scale
- Known sources
- Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Myanmar, Kashmir
What to look for
- An even, saturated blue: not greyish, not so dark it turns inky
- A lively cut that returns light across the whole face
- Heat treatment is common; it should be stated
CareVery durable. Clean with warm, soapy water and a soft brush.
General guidance about the stone. Each actual stone is described individually, with its own photographs and any laboratory report, when you enquire.
Blue sapphire, to wear.
Ask whether a ring, pendant, stud earrings or a bracelet with blue sapphire is available, in gold, platinum or silver.