India's rulers were also the world's greatest gem collectors, amassing riches of incalculable value. Indians not only sold their mineral treasures to Rome, but were leaders in developing the technologies that allowed such deposits to be exploited. To the ancient Romans, the East, specifically India, was the repository of all wealth. Beryls, pearls, carnelians and Golconda's storied diamonds were but a few of the precious substances which for millennia drew visitors to the subcontinent. India has long been synonymous with gemstones. If you like what you see, order a copy of the revised 2017 edition direct from the publisher. Ruby & Sapphire from India Note: The following is only one of forty-five studies of world sources found in Chapter 12 of Richard Hughes' 1997 book, Ruby & Sapphire.

Sapphire helps you to think clearly and to be concentrated and focused.This is the chapter on ruby and sapphire from India (including Kashmir sapphire) from Richard Hughes' 1997 book, Ruby & Sapphire. There are also yellow, pink, violet and green sapphires. However, all corundum minerals that are not red are also classified as sapphire. The blue variant of corundum is known as sapphire. This mineral has been known for centuries as the stone for passion, protection and prosperity.

It stimulates the blood circulation and therefore sensuality. Ruby is seen as a strong stimulating stone. Clear rubies are considered gemstones and are very valuable. The mineral is characterised by its colour and the formation of hexagonal crystals. The red variety of corundum is known as ruby.

The two best known gemstone variants are ruby (corundum with chromium inclusions) and sapphire (corundum with iron inclusions). Corundum is colourless by nature, but can take on other colours in the presence of chrome or iron inclusions. With a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, corundum is one of the hardest minerals in the world.

Ruby and sapphire corundum