Sapphire
Overview
Sapphire is the gem variety of the mineral corundum, an aluminum oxide. Pure corundum is colorless; trace amounts of iron and titanium create the classic blue, while other elements produce pink, yellow, green and purple stones. Red corundum is the one exception: it is called ruby.
With a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, sapphire is second only to diamond among natural gems. That durability makes it one of the best choices for rings worn every day.
Origins
The most celebrated blue sapphires came from Kashmir, where a small deposit discovered in the 1880s produced a soft, velvety blue that is still the benchmark for the color. Today, most fine sapphires come from Sri Lanka, Madagascar and Myanmar.
The full sapphire guide, covering history, colors and varieties, quality, treatments and famous stones, is being written by the Tavira Gems Editorial Team.
Last updated November 2, 2026 by the Tavira Gems Editorial Team.