Blue Sapphire: The Stone of Wisdom
Blue Sapphire: The Stone of Wisdom
Blue Saphire
Neelam
History and Cultural Significance
Advantages of Blue Saphire (Neelam) Gemstone
- Exceptional hardness (Mohs scale 9)
- Beautiful color range (versatile in design)
- Symbolism: loyalty, wisdom, protection
- Durable and long-lasting
- Potential value appreciation
- Rich cultural significance
Disadvantages of Blue Saphire (Neelam) Gemstone:
- High cost for fine quality
- Common heat treatment
- Visible inclusions may affect value
- Ethical sourcing challenges
- Limited availability of high-quality stones
- Difficulty in matching for jewelry sets
Consultation
Consult with an astrologer or gemologist who specializes in Vedic astrology or Western astrology to determine if wearing an emerald is beneficial based on your birth chart or horoscope.
Carat Weight
The ideal carat weight of the emerald can vary depending on factors such as your astrological chart, personal preferences, and budget. Generally, a size ranging from 2 to 5 carats is recommended for astrological purposes.
Metal
Emeralds are often set in metals like gold, silver, or platinum. The choice of metal can also depend on astrological recommendations or personal preference.
Finger
Emeralds are typically worn on the little finger (pinky finger) of either hand. However, specific fingers may be recommended based on astrological considerations.
Day and Time
The best day and time for wearing an emerald can be determined astrologically. For example, wearing it during auspicious planetary hours or on specific days like Wednesday (associated with the planet Mercury) might be recommended.
Purification
Before wearing the emerald, it may need to be purified according to astrological guidelines. This could involve rituals such as bathing the gemstone in holy water or milk, chanting mantras, or exposing it to sunlight.
Synthetic Sapphires and Treatments
Synthetic Sapphires
Synthetic sapphires, with the same composition as natural ones, are lab-grown under controlled conditions. They offer consistent quality, color variety, and affordability. However, their lack of rarity and uniqueness compared to natural sapphires can affect their value and desirability in the gemstone market.
Treatments
Heat treatment is common for blue sapphires, enhancing color and clarity by minimizing color zoning. Beryllium diffusion alters color but is contentious due to value implications. Coating is used for color enhancement but may degrade over time. Knowing these treatments is vital for evaluating blue sapphire quality and longevity.
Properties of Blue Saphire
Color
Blue sapphires can range from light blue to deep, velvety blue. The most prized shades are vivid royal blue or cornflower blue.
Hardness
They are extremely durable, ranking 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness, just below diamonds. This makes them suitable for everyday wear in jewelry.
Cut
Blue sapphires are often cut into various shapes, including oval, round, cushion, and emerald cuts, to maximize their brilliance and color.
Carat Weight
The "Star of India" is a notable blue star sapphire with a considerable carat weight Similarly, the Logan Sapphire is renowned for its impressive carat weight of 423 carats, making it one of the largest and most impressive blue sapphires in existence.
Symbolism and Uses
Care and Maintenance
Astrological and Healing Properties
Famous Blue Sapphires
Gain better insight into the astrological world with articles that cover a wide range of topics related to astrology, vastu shastra, and gemstones