The fabled sapphire, one of the four gems called
precious today, is an extremely hard variety of
corundum occurring in transparent or
translucent crystals. Corundum is aluminum
oxide, and the rich blue color of sapphire is
believed to be caused by the presence of
titanium and iron oxides. The finest sapphires
come from Burma, Thailand, India and other
parts of the East. According to ancient oriental
legend, the earth rested on a giant sapphire,
whose blue color was reflected in the bowl of the
sky. Though the stone was known in the West, it
was rarely used by any but royalty until the
Christian era. This rarity contributed to its
reputation as a magic stone of immense and all-
encompassing power, capable of warding off
every kind of pestilence and contagious disease.
The sapphire is also reputed to bring good luck
to its owner and to promote wisdom and clarity
of mind. The deep and vibrant blue of this gem
makes its precious reputation a deserved one.
- (FJ.1989)
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