When liquid magma found deep within the earth cools, it allows the minerals to crystalize. These are the ideal conditions for metamorphic processes in which sapphires are formed. They are the result of several processes, which include high temperatures and pressure. Sapphires are formed under the earth’s surface over millions of years. They are therefore also used for non-decorative uses such as for infrared optical components. Diamonds rank 10 whereas moissanite ranks 9.5. These stones measure 9 on the Mohs scale in terms of hardness, making them the third hardest gemstone after diamonds and moissanite respectively. Sapphires are mined, and they are also manufactured for decorative purposes. The red sapphire variety is called a ruby. Sapphires are the gemstone variety of the corundum mineral. Some are far less valuable than precious gemstones while others can cost quite the pretty penny. All other gemstones are referred to as semi-precious. The most lavish gemstones on the planet, diamonds, emeralds, rubies, and sapphires, fall into what was called precious gemstones. Still, many differentiate between the two groups.Ī stone becomes a gem once it has been transformed from its rough mineral form into a cut and polished jewel. To be clear, the separation between precious and semi-precious is actually not used any longer. This is because some are considered more precious than others and only a select few in the category of precious gemstones. The terms stones and gemstones are thrown around quite a bit, but for the most part, while almost all gemstones originate from some mineral (besides from rare exceptions like pearls), not every stone is a gemstone, which is used almost interchangeably with the term precious. Sapphires are One of the Four Precious Gemstones. Sapphires are among the most coveted precious gemstones, which is quite understandable given the rainbow of colors in which they come and the endless possibilities they present. Our marvelous planet has gifted us with many mesmerizing specimens, otherwise known as gemstones, which are rich in color, texture, and shine.

Sapphire and ruby