Corundum is a mineral stone that has many varieties. Gorgeous rubies, fabulously beautiful sapphires and emery chips are one and the same aluminum oxide with an admixture of various metals - iron, chromium, titanium, vanadium. It is they who determine the color and quality of the stone.
The hardness of corundum is very high and reaches nine on the Mohs scale. Due to this, they have long been used for cleaning, finishing and polishing surfaces. Abrasive corundum crystals are opaque and can be brown, pink, gray, and sometimes blue. The best samples contain up to 95% crystalline alumina. Deposits of abrasive corundum are found in the USA, Greece, and they are mined in the Krasnoyarsk Territory.
Pure transparent corundums of various colors are used to make jewelry. The most common minerals are blue-gray and yellowish shades, but due to various inclusions, crystals can have almost any color. The most beautiful among them are red and purple corundums, known as "ruby". Large rubies are very rare in nature and are therefore extremely highly prized.
The most valuable are rubies, inside of which there is a "star" made of rutile fibers - after cutting, a six-pointed star burns on the surface of such stones.
The ruby is mentioned in Indian legends dating back to the 6th century BC, as well as in the Bible and ancient mythology. In the Slavic chronicles, this stone is described under the name "yakhont". Ruby has been credited with many wonderful properties. In the east, there was a legend according to which rubies are frozen drops of dragon's blood.
It was believed that the stone protects its owner during a battle, heals any disease, attracts female love. Indian warriors even sewed rubies under their skin, believing that the mineral would bring them victory in battle. Later, the ruby became a symbol of power, health and wisdom. They decorated the royal vestments, trimmed the frames of icons and church utensils. Rubies were also used to decorate the dresses of secular ladies.
It is believed that the best setting for a ruby that enhances its properties is gold. It should be worn in a ring, worn on the middle finger of the right hand. Being in the house, the ruby cleans the house of external negative energy. A stone placed under the pillow will ensure a restful sleep. Ruby is the best amulet for people of dangerous professions - military, firefighters, rescuers, climbers.
The second type of corundum that is very popular is sapphires. The most expensive ones have blue shades. The name of this stone comes from the ancient Indian word canipriya, which means "favorite of Saturn". In ancient times, sapphires were considered a symbol of the firmament and were associated with contemplation and meditation.
In recent years, the popularity of fancy sapphires - green, yellow, orange, pink, purple - has grown. Jewelry made from them can be seen in the collections of many famous jewelers.
The robes of ancient priests in India were embroidered with sapphires. They also adorned the crown of Cleopatra. According to legend, sapphire pacifies passions, keeps from the evil eye, frees from fear, patronizes travelers. Sapphire can give power over people, but it is not recommended for a weak and insecure person, as it can completely suppress his will.
Modern magic claims that sapphire talismans help a person maintain clarity of thought, strengthen family ties, and protect against deception and disappointment. Sapphire develops a penchant for reflection and contemplation. It is considered the stone of philosophers, scientists, writers. A sapphire brooch can enhance feminine appeal. And for men, a ring decorated with a sapphire will help to achieve their goals.
Numerous medicinal properties have been attributed to sapphire. It has been used to treat the kidneys and urinary tract. It was believed that sapphire helps with rheumatic heart disease and heart disease, heals wounds, and improves skin condition. Ancient doctors argued that for the prevention of diseases, a gold ring decorated with sapphire should be constantly worn.
