Saphire

The term saphire is derived from the Greek "sappheiros", which is derived either from "sanipriyam = darling" or "sipru = splashing". Synonyms for saphire are asteria, chlorosapphire or demantspat. It is found in China, Burma, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Malawi, Nigeria, Tanzania, Madagascar, USA or Australia.

Its colours vary from pink, orange, yellow, green, blue, violet to black. Multi-coloured crystals are very rare.

Mineral class of oxides
Formula: Al2O3+ Cr,Fe,Ti,V

Mohs hardness: 9
Density: 3,97 - 4,05
cleavage: none, small-sided, uneven, splintery fracture
Stroke colour: white
Transparency: opaque to translucent

Healing properties
Concentration, straightness, mobilises mental power, promotes desire for knowledge and wisdom