Sapphires

Properties

Material Characteristics

Sapphires are blue precious gemstones. They typically have a bright blue hue and responds to light in a similar manner to glass. However, the exact hue and saturation may vary between sapphires. Other colors such as pink, yellow, and black are rare.

Geology & Geography

Sapphires are mined from the earth and are commonly found in the southern parts of the Blue Mountains and in the mountains in northern Petrek. They are also commonly found alongside rubies which are only differentiated by their color. They tend to be found in areas with loose gravelly rocks and clay.

History & Usage

Everyday use

Most sapphires are used in jewelry where they are cut to shape. Less valuable sapphires are commonly used in drill bits and for industrial cutting due to how hard the material is. Those sapphires tend to lack the brilliant color of their more valuable counterparts. The discarded sapphires from cutting larger stones for jewelry often find their way into watches and pens for added brilliance.

Cultural Significance and Usage

Over the years, several large and unusual sapphires have been excavated. The most famous is the Star of Roucen, a large black sapphire that belonged to the former Samoir royal family but was lost during the revolution. Its whereabouts remains a mystery, and many intrepid treasure seekers hope to find it. The Everlasting Heart currently belonging to the Biterleich family in Losan is a medium sized pink sapphire cut into the shape of a heart for a pendant. What makes it so unique is the saturated color and beautiful sparkes from the many facets. The Astorian royal family owns the Star of Astoria, a large polished sapphire that sits among the crown jewels. There have been several attempts to steal it throughout history, and the only successful robber was caught six months later. The jewel was then returned to the family and placed in a secret vault. In Etra, there is the mythical Mylara Sapphire which is believed to have mystical properties and used as a means to communicate with the sea god. However, it's been lost for nearly a thousand years, and many suspect that it never existed to begin with.

Type

Ore/Mineral

Rarity

Rare

Color

Blue

Common State

Solid