Blue Sapphire/Neelam (for Saturn): Neelam removes evil effects of Saturn. It is said that this stone has the magical power to elevate its user to a higher status from all sides. Some astrologers believe that Blue Sapphire or Neelam is so powerful if used properly that it can alleviate even long-term misfortune. However there is a caution. Sometimes this stone may react adversely. It is advisable to first test it for a week before final wearing. It could give you everything you could desire - health, wealth, longevity, happiness. It also restores lost wealth and property.

• This is normally faint or dark blue in colour. Sapphire or Neelam is a very cold gem. They may be yellow also.
  
• It brings wealth, name and fame.
  
• It also gives good stamina, longevity and security in life. Can improve fertility in a barren woman. Best suited for joy, love and happiness. It cures fainting, fits, virility, mental disorder, deafness and baldness.
  
• It should be used on 2nd finger of right hand in gold or panch dhatu on Saturday and the weight is 5 or 7 grams.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

• Sapphires , are simply crystallized alumina (Al2O3) and in their pure form are devoid of colour.
• Sapphires are found in various colours which include pink, blue, green, yellow, orange and white.
• In India, Yellow Sapphire is known as Pukhraj and Blue Sapphire is known as Neelam .
• It has a specific gravity of 3.99, mean refractive index (RI) 1.765 and Hardness of 9 on the Moh's scale.

OCCURRENCE

Sapphires are found in India, Brazil, Sri Lanka, Russia, Thailand, Australia, U.S.A, U.K., Nepal, Mexico, Zambia and Nigeria.

In India, Sapphires are found in Jammu. These are considered to be the best in the world. Few sapphires are also found in Orissa but they are not of very high quality.

IDENTIFICATION

Natural Sapphires carry within them clear signs of slow crystallization. Some of the external elements sometimes remains preserved in the Gem which helps its identification. Like all other precious gems it should have inclusions which should be visible to the naked eye or under magnification. Otherwise, it is a piece of glass or a synthetic substance.

The inclusions are generally like 'feathers' or are like finger print impressions. Liquid inclusions looking like lace are also sometimes visible.

Synthetic Sapphires are very common in the market and many traders in order to earn fast money sell them as originals. These are very clear and under magnification show bubble like inclusions. Sometimes feather like inclusions have also seen but they shine abnormally under light.