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Sapphire, one of the five major gemstones /
Kunzite with a beautiful lilac pink hue
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| Gemstone name | sapphire | Kunzite |
|---|---|---|
| Mineral name | corundum | Spodumene (Spodumene) |
| Japanese name | Aodama | Lithium pyroxene |
| Origin of the name | It originates from the Latin word "sapphirus," meaning "blue." | It is named after George Frederick Kunz, the mineralogist who first identified it. |
| color | Blue, purple, orange, pink, green, etc. | Pink to purple |
| Mohs hardness | 9 | 6.5-7.0 |
| Place of origin | Kashmir, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, etc. | Afghanistan, Nigeria, etc. |
| Stone meanings | Sincere love, compassion, and virtue | Unconditional love |
| effect | Mental and physical stability, calm judgment | A gentle and calm heart; tolerance and compassion. |
| Maintenance | Clean with lukewarm water and a neutral detergent, using a brush / ultrasonic cleaning | Wash gently with a soft brush in lukewarm water with a mild detergent / Store individually away from direct sunlight. |
| others | Kashmir sapphires are now extremely rare and expensive. Those with a deep, vibrant color are given the special names "royal blue," while those with a translucent, vibrant color are called "cornflower." Additionally, padparadscha sapphires, with their intermediate orange-pink color range, are considered rare due to their limited color spectrum. |
As you all know, the birthstone for September is the sapphire. While it's famously blue, it also comes in pink, orange, and green.Various colorsIn addition to being the birthstone for September, it is also designated as the birthstone for Aquarius.
Another gemstone that was newly designated at the end of 2021 is kunzite. It is a relatively new gemstone, discovered in the early 20th century.Pink to purpleIt gives off a feminine impression. This time, we'll introduce the birthstone for September.
▼Click here to learn more about other birthstones
Index
1.sapphire
Characteristics of sapphire
Sapphire is so synonymous with the color blue that it's practically synonymous with blue gemstones, and its Japanese name is "Sōgyoku" (蒼玉), meaning "blue gem."Did you know that sapphires actually come in a variety of colors besides blue, including purple, orange, pink, and yellow?
The mineral name is corundum.Ruby is the same mineralActually, all colors other than red are classified as sapphires. In the case of colors close to red, some gemological laboratories may classify them as either rubies or sapphires, making the distinction difficult to draw.
Because it is corundum, it has a Mohs hardness of 9, making it a perfect gemstone for jewelry. While heat treatment is usually used to enhance its color, beautiful sapphires exist even without it.Unheated (no heat)It enters the market as such and its value increases. The main producing regions are Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, Sri Lanka, etc. Sapphires come in a variety of colors and shapes, making them suitable for various styles.
Some sapphires have specific names, and I'll introduce a few of them.
■ Royal Blue Sapphire
Royal blue sapphires are considered the finest of all blue sapphires. They are exceptional gemstones possessing a deep, noble blue color and a vibrant brilliance. While typically darker blues tend to appear duller and less brilliant, royal blue sapphires retain their vibrancy and sparkle. It is also the official color of Great Britain.
Royal blue sapphires are considered the finest of all blue sapphires. They are exceptional gemstones possessing a deep, noble blue color and a vibrant brilliance. While typically darker blues tend to appear duller and less brilliant, royal blue sapphires retain their vibrancy and sparkle. It is also the official color of Great Britain.
■Cornflower Sapphire
Originating in Kashmir, the cornflower gets its name from the color of the cornflower blossom. While royal blue cornflowers have a deep, noble appearance, this variety is characterized by its slightly lighter, gentler hue. Of course, it also boasts high saturation, and only those with a brilliant shine are given this name. Currently, Kashmir cornflowers are rarely produced, making Kashmir cornflowers quite expensive.
Originating in Kashmir, the cornflower gets its name from the color of the cornflower blossom. While royal blue cornflowers have a deep, noble appearance, this variety is characterized by its slightly lighter, gentler hue. Of course, it also boasts high saturation, and only those with a brilliant shine are given this name. Currently, Kashmir cornflowers are rarely produced, making Kashmir cornflowers quite expensive.
■ Padparadscha Sapphire
In Sinhala, "padparadscha" means "lotus flower." Because it only comes in a narrow color range between orange and pink, it is a rare gemstone and commands a high price. Again, color determination is crucial, and whether it's classified as a padparadscha sapphire varies depending on the gemological laboratory. If the pink is more prominent, it's classified as a pink sapphire; if the orange is more prominent, it's classified as an orange sapphire. This subtle color gives a calm and elegant impression, making it perfect for sophisticated adult attire.
In Sinhala, "padparadscha" means "lotus flower." Because it only comes in a narrow color range between orange and pink, it is a rare gemstone and commands a high price. Again, color determination is crucial, and whether it's classified as a padparadscha sapphire varies depending on the gemological laboratory. If the pink is more prominent, it's classified as a pink sapphire; if the orange is more prominent, it's classified as an orange sapphire. This subtle color gives a calm and elegant impression, making it perfect for sophisticated adult attire.
■ Star Sapphire
A star sapphire exhibits a star effect, where six rays appear when light is shone on it. This star effect is due to inclusions and is made visible by the smooth, rounded cabochon cut. The production of large star sapphires is decreasing, and those with a deep, beautiful color are particularly rare.
A star sapphire exhibits a star effect, where six rays appear when light is shone on it. This star effect is due to inclusions and is made visible by the smooth, rounded cabochon cut. The production of large star sapphires is decreasing, and those with a deep, beautiful color are particularly rare.
The origin of sapphire
Its name comes from the Latin word "sapphirus," meaning "blue." Its Japanese name is also "sōgyoku" (蒼玉), so it's a gemstone strongly associated with the color blue.
The effect of sapphire
The meaning of the stone is "Sincere love, compassion, and virtue".
The calm and sophisticated sapphire symbolizes the strong love and loyalty between a married couple.
It has been believed that this stabilizes both mind and body, enhances concentration and intuition, and allows for calm judgment.
Sapphires are also sometimes used as "something blue" in weddings. Therefore, especially overseas, many people choose sapphires for their engagement rings. Sapphires, which symbolize sincere love, are also said to be beneficial in matters of romance and love.
This gemstone is perfect for those who want to build good relationships or stabilize their emotions.
The calm and sophisticated sapphire symbolizes the strong love and loyalty between a married couple.
It has been believed that this stabilizes both mind and body, enhances concentration and intuition, and allows for calm judgment.
Sapphires are also sometimes used as "something blue" in weddings. Therefore, especially overseas, many people choose sapphires for their engagement rings. Sapphires, which symbolize sincere love, are also said to be beneficial in matters of romance and love.
This gemstone is perfect for those who want to build good relationships or stabilize their emotions.
Sapphire care
Sapphires are known as one of the hardest gemstones, with a Mohs hardness of 9. Don't be overly concerned; wear them often. However, they are softer than diamonds, so avoid storing them with other jewelry whenever possible.
When cleaning, fill a cup with lukewarm water and add a little mild detergent (dish soap). Then, dip a soft brush (such as a toothbrush with soft bristles) into the detergent and gently dab the stone. Avoid scrubbing, as this can cause the prongs holding the stone to loosen; the key is to dab it. After washing, rinse with lukewarm water.
Using an ultrasonic cleaner is also recommended to remove fine dirt.
When cleaning, fill a cup with lukewarm water and add a little mild detergent (dish soap). Then, dip a soft brush (such as a toothbrush with soft bristles) into the detergent and gently dab the stone. Avoid scrubbing, as this can cause the prongs holding the stone to loosen; the key is to dab it. After washing, rinse with lukewarm water.
Using an ultrasonic cleaner is also recommended to remove fine dirt.
Hojudo offers a wide selection of sapphire jewelry. Please be sure to check out the Hojudo website.
▼Click here for sapphire jewelry
2.Kunzite
Characteristics of Kunzite
Kunzite, designated as the birthstone for July in 2021, is still relatively unknown, but it was discovered in a California mine in the early 20th century.New gemThat's it.While it resembles morganite in appearance, it is characterized by its purplish-pink color, and even within the pink range, it often has a more mature and subdued hue.
Because it is a gemstone with relatively few inclusions and large crystals are often mined, it is perfect for those looking for a large pink piece of jewelry.
Another attractive feature is its pleochroism, which allows it to display different colors depending on the viewing angle.
The mineral's name is spodumene. Its Japanese name is "lithium pyroxene." Among these minerals, the pink variety is called kunzite, the green variety is called hiddenite, and the yellow variety is called triphane.
The main sources of kunzite used in jewelry are Central Asia, such as Afghanistan, and Nigeria. Kunzite from Afghanistan and Pakistan, in particular, is often highly vibrant and transparent, making it highly sought after.
The origin of kunzite
Kunzite was named after George Frederick Kunz, the scholar who first identified this gemstone when it was discovered in a California mine.
The effects of kunzite
The meaning of the stone is "Unconditional love".
Accepting yourself helps to bring peace of mind. It also brings about pure, unconditional love, fosters a gentle and calm state of mind, and brings out your own individuality through tolerance and compassion.
This gemstone is perfect for those who want to heal a wounded heart or be enveloped in pure and warm energy.
Accepting yourself helps to bring peace of mind. It also brings about pure, unconditional love, fosters a gentle and calm state of mind, and brings out your own individuality through tolerance and compassion.
This gemstone is perfect for those who want to heal a wounded heart or be enveloped in pure and warm energy.
Kunzite Care
Although it is a relatively hard gemstone with a Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7.5, it will break if it comes into contact with other gemstones.
Also, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight or storage in high-temperature locations may cause discoloration, so be sure to store them individually in a jewelry box at an appropriate temperature.
When cleaning, fill a cup with lukewarm water and add a little mild detergent (dish soap). Then, dip a soft brush (such as a toothbrush with soft bristles) into the detergent and gently dab the stone. Avoid scrubbing, as this may cause the prongs holding the stone to loosen. The key is to dab the stone. After washing, rinse the kunzite with lukewarm water.
Also, avoid using ultrasonic cleaners.
Also, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight or storage in high-temperature locations may cause discoloration, so be sure to store them individually in a jewelry box at an appropriate temperature.
When cleaning, fill a cup with lukewarm water and add a little mild detergent (dish soap). Then, dip a soft brush (such as a toothbrush with soft bristles) into the detergent and gently dab the stone. Avoid scrubbing, as this may cause the prongs holding the stone to loosen. The key is to dab the stone. After washing, rinse the kunzite with lukewarm water.
Also, avoid using ultrasonic cleaners.
Hojudo also carries kunzite jewelry. Please check out Hojudo's website.
▼Click here for kunzite jewelry