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 The
gemstone generally known as corundum has many names. The name corundum is probably
derived from the Sanskrit «kauruntaka» or «kuruvinda» meaning «ruby». Every
variety of corundum is always called by its variety name. The term «corundum»,
when used alone, refers to a brown, non-transparent variety. All other
varieties (sapphire, ruby, padparadschah, and emery) are always known by their
respective names, though corundum is often referred to as chloro-sapphire, almandine,
Oriental diamond, violet, Bengali amethyst, Oriental aquamarine, Oriental emerald,
Oriental topaz, Oriental chrysolite, and Oriental peridot.
The two
main varieties of corundum crystals are blue (sapphire) and red (ruby). Other
colors of corundum crystals include: black (emery), bronze, green, grey/brown,
indigo, orange, pink, purple, white and yellow.
Translucent
corundum gemstone is associated with the restoration of law and justice on the completely
new level, with an absolute purification. Moreover, translucent corundum is
believed to be a gemstone symbolizing the impossible prospects, a gemstone of
dreams and dreamers. It helps those who dream to make their dreams come true.
However, not every dreamer may wear jewelry with this gemstone: Capricorn,
Aquarius and Pisces feel comfortable wearing this gemstone, but with other Zodiac
signs it can bring about futile daydreaming and a desire to fulfill those
futile dreams.
Ruby is
considered to be the symbol of the past and the keeper of memories. With ruby
you can bring back the past and repair your mistakes. The legend holds that
ruby gives a man another chance. Also, ruby has been considered to be a gemstone
of valor, strength and fire, a gemstone, which gives its holder strength of a
lion, courage of an eagle and wisdom of a serpent. Ruby is said to aid with love
charms, and it is not recommended for children as a child may be frightened by
the deep fiery red of the ruby.
In Sanskrit
language ruby is called «ratnaraj», which in fact translates as «king of
gemstones». In Ancient India they believed that ruby is dedicated to the Sun. Lapidarias
(medieval collection of gemstone-related references) state that «... that's
ruby, it heals the heart, brain, and enhances power and memory ...».
Sapphire
has been treasured for thousands of years. The ancient Persians believed that
the earth rested on a giant sapphire and its reflection colored the sky. Sapphire
has long symbolized truth, sincerity, and faithfulness. The Bible holds that
Moses was given the Ten Commandments on tablets of sapphire, making it the most
sacred gemstone. Because sapphires represent divine favor, they were the
gemstone of choice for kings and high priests. The British Crown Jewels are
full of large blue sapphires, and even more recently Prince Charles chose a
sapphire engagement ring for Princess Diana. Sapphire was thought to have
strong medical powers. At one time it was credited to remove all impurities and
foreign matter from the eye. The ancients regarded star sapphires as a very
powerful talisman, a guiding star for travelers and seekers of all kinds. Sapphire
is the birthstone for September, but ancient lists also name sapphire as a
birthstone for April and the gemstone for the sign of Taurus.
Blue
sapphires have always been connected with the sky and vision. Ancient people
believed that the Earth sat upon a huge sapphire, which reflected its color to
turn the sky blue. Many believed that sapphires repelled envy and the spirits
of darkness while attracting the spirits of light. Others think their power is
restrained to merely revealing liars. Early physicians fed their patients
powdered sapphires to cure insanity. Travelers wore sapphires to protect
against accidents while en route. Those who wear sapphires are usually wealthy,
as fine sapphires are valued about the same as diamonds.
Padparadscha
sapphires are extremely rare and prized sapphires from Sri Lanka and Vietnam.
Padparadscha is a combination of two Sanskrit words, «lotus» and «color», due
to the comparison of the color to that of a lotus flower. The color is a
stunning medium toned pink-orange. This gem is one of the only varieties of
sapphires that can reach more per carat than the blue variety. These rare jewels
are typically priced around $20,000 per carat!
Sapphires
and rubies are rare and highly prized gemstones, which are listed among the
most precious gems (rubies are more expensive, as they are less common), while yellow
corundum, as well as other colored corundum varieties are valued much lower,
and demand for them is not particularly high.
Beautiful gemstones
are kept in museums and private collections worldwide. For example, the American
Museum of Natural History in New York hosts the J.P. Morgan gemstone collection,
which includes a magnificent sapphire (163 carats) and yellow corundum (about
100 carats), both from Ceylon. This collection also includes three magnificent
star corundum crystals, the largest of which is the famous Edith Hagging De
Long star ruby, a magnificent oval, cabochon-cut, six-rayed star ruby, with a
rich purplish-red color, and of Burmese origin. In terms of size the De Long
Star Ruby may perhaps be the second largest and finest star ruby in the world,
measuring 3.8 cm
in length and 2.5 cm
in diameter. Among other noteworthy specimens in the J.P. Morgan are the Star
of India - a star sapphire from Ceylon weighing 563 carats - and the Midnight
Star - a deep purple star sapphire from Ceylon weighing 116 carats. In Paris,
the Jardin des Plantes gemstone collection can boast two beautiful rough
sapphire crystals: the Rospoli sapphire weighing 135 carats and nameless sapphire
measuring 5 cm
in length and 3.8 cm
in thickness. St Edward's sapphire is set into the finial cross of the Imperial
State Crown of Great Britain and is said to provide healing from seizures.
Corundum is
easily synthesized, and many corundum crystals are synthetic. Synthetic gems
are also easily created by adding traces of certain color producing elements to
the corundum solution, and letting the solution solidify into a boule, or
synthetic, unprocessed «mineral» with a particular shape. This process is
called the Verneuil process. Natural ruby and sapphire stones are commonly
heated to intensify the color. However, artificial stones are not highly valued
and practically they have no commercial value. People still prefer natural
corundum - a fascinating, mysterious, luxurious, exquisite gemstone.
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