The sapphire is a precious stone that is considered among the most valuable of gemstones. Sapphires are found in shades of blue, purple, and green. Many are transparent. Most of the highest quality sapphires come from India, as well as Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar. They are also found in parts of Australia, and a variety with a distinct color have been found in Montana, in the United States.
The sapphire is the birthstone for September. Interestingly, both sapphire and ruby are the same material, corundum, (an aluminum oxide, Al2O3).[1]
The largest sapphire in the world is the Millennium Sapphire, weighing over 61,500 carats (over 27 pounds), and is valued beyond tens of millions of dollars.[2]