Description
A transparent blue gemstone composed of corundum (aluminum oxide). Sapphires range in color from a pale blue to a deep indigo. They are mined in Myanmar (formerly Burma), Thailand, Kashmir, Sri Lanka, Australia (Victoria, Queensland, New South Wales), India, Madagascar, Russia, South Africa, and the U.S. (Montana, North Carolina). Sapphires are extremely hard and durable gemstones that have been used in jewelry since 1200 BCE. Oriented rutile crystal inclusions in a sapphire can produce a six-sided star effect called a Star Sapphire. Synthetic sapphires, produced commercially since 1902, are used in jewelry, watches, phonograph needles, instrument bearings, optical elements, and as abrasives.
Synonyms and Related Terms
corundum; alumina; aluminum oxide; star sapphire; safir (Dan.; Sven.); Saphir (Deut.); zafiro (Esp.); saphir (Fr.); saffier (Ned.); szafir (Pol.); safira (Port.);
| Al2O3 |
| 1317-82-4 |
| 9.0 |
| 2040 |
| 3.96-4.05 |
| 1.80 |
| 1.76-1.78 |
Other Properties
Trigonal crystal system. Strongly pleochroic. Fracture = conchoidal or splintery
Insoluble in acids and alkalis. Luster = vitreous Streak = white
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Last updated on: 3/12/2010 11:49:45 AM
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