Sapphire

What is a Sapphire?

A sapphire is a beautiful gemstone. It is a type of mineral called corundum. Most sapphires are blue, but they can also be yellow, purple, orange, or green. When corundum is red, it is called a ruby instead of a sapphire.

Sapphires are very strong and last a long time. They are used not only in jewelry but also in things like watch crystals and special parts for electronic devices.

Where Do Sapphires Come From?

Sapphires are found in many places around the world. Some of the main places are Australia, Afghanistan, Cambodia, Cameroon, China, Colombia, Ethiopia, India, Kenya, Laos, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, the United States, and Vietnam.

Each place makes sapphires that look a little different. Some sapphires have special colors or patterns, like a star when you shine a light on them.

Fun Facts About Sapphires

• The purest blue sapphires are the most valuable, but people like many different colors.
• A very large blue sapphire called the Logan sapphire is kept in the National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C.
• Sapphires are the birthstone for people born in September.
• In some traditions, sapphires were thought to help with eye problems and sadness.