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Sapphire is sourced from many regions of the world, including Australia, Thailand, Sri Lanka (Ceylon), Tanzania and Madagascar. Madagascar is one of the newer sources for sapphire and newer gemmy deposits are continuously being discovered. Madagascar is located approximately 400 km off the coast of Southeast Africa, and as of recent times, has become one of the most important sources for fine-quality gemstones, particularly sapphire. Historically, Madagascar fueled their economy dependent on agriculture, but around the early 1990s, small gem deposits were being discovered in the southern regions. Shortly after, in 1998, an enormous sapphire deposit was discovered in the tiny village of Ilakaka. This discovery was a complete surprise and led to a gemstone-fever reminiscent of the mid-19th century gold rush in California. Madagascar sapphire is found in many colors, including traditional blue.
Sapphire material mined from Madagascar is usually of very good quality, with many untreated sapphires being offered in the market from Madagascar. Blue sapphire from Madagascar is often darker in color, but not as 'inky' when compared to many Australian sapphire. Fancy color sapphire from Madagascar is often quite vivid and clean. In addition to sapphire, a large variety of other gemstones are mined from Madagascar, including fine rubies, tourmaline, aquamarine, emerald, garnet, chrysoberyl, alexandrite, topaz, andalusite, apatite, kyanite, zircon, amethyst and citrine.
With its hardness of 9 on Mohs scale, sapphires are the second hardest natural material known to man. Sapphire is composed of corundum, the same mineral which makes up fine red ruby. The name 'corundum' comes from the ancient Sanskrit 'kuruvindam', while the name "sapphire" comes from "safir", a word of Persian origin. Although blue is the most popular and traditional sapphire color, natural sapphire can be found in a wide variety of colors, including pink, purple, yellow and green. Sapphire of every color, except for blue and red, are referred to as 'fancy sapphire'. Sapphires are famed for their remarkable brilliance and excellent durability, making them some of the most valuable and wearable gemstones of all time. Metaphysically, sapphires are seen as the guardians of love. When given as a gift they enhance love and tune your spirits to one another. Also, sapphires have been used to banish envy and jealousy as well as promote fidelity in marriage.
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