# Sapphire

> Sapphire is corundum in any color except red, famous for blue; very hard (9 on Mohs), it is ideal for engagement rings and everyday wear.

- Source: https://www.711grados.com/en/sapphire/
- Language: en
- Note: This entry was drafted with the help of AI and is pending review by the author.
- Published: 2026-06-14
- Updated: 2026-06-14
- Translation (es): https://www.711grados.com/es/zafiro/
- Author: Sandra Sánchez
- Site: 711 Grados (https://www.711grados.com/)

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Sapphire is corundum in every color except red, which is called ruby. Blue is the best known, but there are pink, yellow and green sapphires and the rare padparadscha, a pinkish orange.

## Properties

- **Composition:** aluminum oxide (corundum) with traces of iron and titanium in blue.
- **Hardness:** 9 on the Mohs scale.
- **Color:** blue (from pale to deep), but also yellow, pink, green, colorless and padparadscha.
- **Origins:** Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Myanmar, Kashmir and Australia, among others.
- **Treatments:** heating is very common; synthetic sapphires also exist.

## Uses in jewelry

- Engagement rings and wedding bands, as an alternative to diamond.
- Pendants, earrings and bracelets.
- Anniversary jewelry (September stone).

## Pros and cons

### Advantages

- Very hard and durable.
- A wide range of colors.
- Highly prized.

### Limitations

- Quality sapphires are expensive.
- Many are heated or treated.
- Some imitations are hard to tell apart without analysis.

## Care and cleaning

- Clean with lukewarm water, mild soap and a soft brush.
- Avoid hard knocks.
- Ask for a certificate on valuable pieces.

## See also

- [Ruby](https://www.711grados.com/en/ruby/)
- [Diamond](https://www.711grados.com/en/diamond/)
- [Gemstones in jewelry](https://www.711grados.com/en/gemstones-in-jewelry/)