Sapphire is a precious gemstone that belongs to the corundum family, and its most well-known color is a rich, deep blue. However, sapphires come in a variety of other colors, like pink, yellow, and green, though the blue variety remains the most popular and iconic. The blue color comes from trace amounts of iron and titanium within the crystal structure.
Sapphires are prized not only for their striking color but also for their durability, as they rank 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness, second only to diamonds. This makes them ideal for use in jewelry, especially in engagement rings. They are also often associated with wisdom, nobility, and purity.
In addition to their aesthetic and symbolic appeal, sapphires have been used historically in various cultures for their supposed protective properties, thought to guard against envy and harm.