Test your knowledge of sapphires, and learn some interesting facts about September’s royal birthstone.
- In addition to being the birthstone for September, what number wedding anniversary do sapphires celebrate?
- Blue sapphire is a variety of the mineral called corundum. What other gemstone comes from corundum?
- The blue sapphire is derived from the Greek word, sappheiros. What does the word mean?
- Sapphires come in many colors. What is the most valuable and in-demand color?
- The Star of India is the world's largest gem-quality blue star sapphire, and is around two billion years old. In what famous museum is it displayed?
- On the Mohs scale of hardness, sapphires rate a 9.0. What gem is harder?
- What did the ancient Greeks believe sapphires were a symbol of?
- The ancient Persians believed the earth was supported by a giant sapphire and that it gave what its blue hue?
- According to Jewish midrash, Moses’ sapphire tablets were carved from where?
- The late Diana, Princess of Wales, famously chose a blue sapphire and diamond ring for her engagement to Prince Charles. Replicas of the ring became so popular with people, that it was given what nickname?
- Sapphires celebrate the 45th wedding anniversary.
- Rubies also come from the mineral corundum.
- The Greek word sappheiros meaning blue stone.
- Blue sapphires are the most expensive and desirable of all sapphire colors.
- The Star of India is on exhibit in the Morgan Memorial Hall of Gems at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City.
- Diamonds are the only gem to rank a 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness.
- The ancient Greeks believed sapphires were a symbol of wisdom and purity.
- The ancient Persians believed a giant sapphire gave the sky its blue hue.
- According to Jewish midrash, Moses’ sapphire tablets were carved from the throne of God, making them the most precious gemstone.
- Princess Diana’s ring became so popular with the public that it became known as “the commoner’s ring.”
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