**Famous and Renowned / Historic and Celebrated (Opals)**

1. An English envoy saw a 951-carat, exceptionally fine-colored, and flawless sapphire in Ava (a famous historic city in Burma). 2. In the Royal Treasury of Paris, there is a large, beautiful, flawless, pear-shaped sapphire weighing $122\,\frac{1}{16}$ carats, which was originally acquired by a Bengali palanquin bearer (*doli-bearer*). For this reason, it came to be known as the *Rospoli* (after moving through the House of Rospoli family in Rome). It was later sold to a German prince, who in turn sold it to a French jeweler named Perret for 28,000 rupees. 3. Two sapphires are currently very famous in Europe, both of which were displayed at the 1863 London Exhibition. One is a black, pear-shaped, flawless gem weighing approximately 252 carats. The second was slightly lighter in weight; it arrived from India in 1856 where it had been cut, weighing 225 carats. It had a major flaw of a yellowish tinge. Upon being recut, its weight was reduced to 165 carats, and it was sold in Paris for 7,000 to 8,000 pounds. 4. A very large sapphire named *Marveilex* was seen in the Queen's crown, displaying a bluish color during the day and appearing like an emerald at night. Because sapphire is extremely hard, engraving work on it is rare. Only a few engraved sapphires are known to exist: 1. In Rome, there is a sapphire engraved with the image of Hercules. 2. The ruler of Liechtensten possesses a 53-carat sapphire engraved with a hunting scene along with the words *Constantius Aug*. The scene depicts a emperor thrusting a spear into a wild boar standing in front of a beautiful woman. 3. A fine $\frac{3}{4}$-inch square sapphire is engraved with the image of Pope Paul III. 4. A yellow, five-sided sapphire was seen engraved with the portrait of Henry IV along with the letters *C.D.F.* 5. A sapphire measuring $\frac{3}{4}$ inch in length and $1\,\frac{1}{2}$ inches in width was seen engraved with the profile of Caracalla. 6. An antique sapphire is engraved with the crest and arms of Cardinal Wolsey, among other such examples.

The mineral form of sapphire is a six-sided parallel-sided or hexagonal prism. For this reason, it is classified in the dichroic category. Its hardness is rated at degree 9; hence, it can only be cut by diamond. The color of sapphire is exceptionally fine and pleasing, ranging from bright blue to shades of purple and violet. In the texts of the Hindus, several other varieties of sapphire are described beyond these. Thus, it is written: "Although the color of a genuine sapphire is blue—which is why it is called *Neelam*—other color tones and highlights also manifest within them. Accordingly, some sapphires resemble the lotus flower, while others exhibit blues like that of a steel sword, a bumblebee, seawater, or the throat of a cuckoo. Based on their shades, they are classified into four castes/types: 1. **Brahmin Sapphire:** Bluish-white (blue with a white tinge) 2. **Kshatriya (Chhatri) Sapphire:** Bluish-red (blue with a reddish tinge) 3. **Vaish Sapphire:** Bluish-yellow (blue with a yellowish tinge) 4. **Shudra Sapphire:** Bluish-black (blue with a dark/blackish tinge) The specific gravity of sapphire ranges from 3.9 to 4.2. The chemical composition, refractive power, and other physical properties of sapphire match those of ruby (*yaqoot*). The only difference between sapphire and ruby is their color; namely, sapphire is sky-blue, whereas ruby is red. The color of sapphire is caused by the presence of chromium compounds. Under intense heat, white and yellowish sapphires turn clear/white, but the color of an oriental sapphire remains unchanged under gas light. However, inferior grade sapphires become dark, similar to the hue of amethyst under artificial light."

Sensitive dreamers who sense emotions deeply and provide compassionate support.

Visionary humanitarians who champion new ideas and community-wide revolutions.

Disciplined builders who take long-term responsibility seriously.

Adventure seekers who pursue truth and sprinkle optimism everywhere they go.