Sapphires
The sapphire is a part of the mineral species called corundum, which is known for its hardness and durability. Sapphires are found in rock or in the beds of streams and have been mined or panned for many centuries.
The gemstones originally called "sapphire" were most likely what we know as lapis lazuli today, while what we today refer to as sapphire was called hyacinth do to its similarity to the color of blue hyacinths. The ancient Persians believed that the earth rested on a giant sapphire and its reflection colored the sky.
Commonly celebrated for this rich blue variety, sapphires have been treasured for thousands for years. Called the "celestial gemstone," sapphire comes in all hues, from midnight blue, bright blue, rich gold, and fiery orange-red. The only shade that sapphire does not come in is red as this is shade classified as ruby. The only difference between a ruby and a sapphire is only a ruby can be red.
Though it is found throughout the world the historic sources of sapphires are Sri Lanka and Burma and these islands still produce some of the highest quality gems in the world.