Blue Sapphire (Neelam)
Overview of Blue Sapphire
Blue Sapphire, also known as Nilam or Neelam in Hindi, is a precious gemstone revered for its stunning blue color and powerful astrological properties.
This majestic natural blue sapphire belongs to the corundum family. It is often referred to as the “Gem of the Windfall Gains” due to its association with Saturn (Shani) and is highly helpful for people undergoing Shani Sade Sati and Shani Mahadasha.
The name “Sapphire” is derived from the Latin word “sapphirus,” meaning blue. Other names are Nilam, Neelam, Indra Neelam stone, Mayur Neelam, Neela stone, Raktamukhi Neelam, Neela Pukhraj, Neel Mani stone, Indranila stone, and Aparajita Neelam stone.
Original Blue Sapphire is admired globally for its deep, vivid blue shades, which range from light azure to dark navy. Its beauty, combined with its astrological significance, makes it a highly sought-after gemstone in both jewelry and spiritual practices. Do not get confused with Pitambari and Neelambari.
Benefits of Blue Sapphire
In Vedic Gemstone astrology, it is a gemstone of profound significance associated with the planet Saturn (Shani). Its benefits are diverse and impactful when worn according to Vedic principles. Here is a detailed look at the Vedic astrological benefits of real Blue Sapphire.
Financial Prosperity and Success
- Wealth Attraction: It is renowned for its ability to attract financial gains and enhance professional success. It is a powerful tool for individuals seeking to improve their financial status and achieve career advancement.
- Professional Growth: The gemstone supports career development, helping individuals to reach professional milestones and open new avenues for progress.
Wisdom and Mental Clarity
- Increased Intelligence: It is believed to sharpen the mind and boost intellectual abilities. It aids in enhancing cognitive functions and decision-making skills.
- Mental Clarity: The gemstone promotes mental clarity, helping individuals to solve complex problems and make informed decisions with greater ease.
Protection from Negativity
- Shielding Energy: Known for its protective qualities, it helps shield the wearer from negative energies and adverse planetary effects. It provides a layer of defense against misfortune and negativity.
- Good Fortune: By counteracting negative influences, it is said to bring about good fortune and positive changes in the wearer’s life.
Discipline and Respect
- Self-Control: It encourages self-discipline and enhances the ability to adhere to commitments and responsibilities. It helps individuals maintain focus and dedication in their personal and professional lives.
- Moral Integrity: The gemstone promotes ethical behavior and aligns one’s actions with higher moral principles, fostering integrity and responsibility.
Who can Wear it?
- Libra (Tula), Scorpio (Vrishchika), Capricorn (Kumbh) Rashi: Natural Sapphire is beneficial for individuals born under these Rashi signs. It is the rashiratan of Kumbh Rashi. Lucky stone for Aquarius Zodiac Sign. It enhances their natural strengths and helps address challenges specific to their sign.
- September Birthstone: Blue Sapphire is the birthstone for September, and is advantageous for September born, amplifying their inherent qualities and supporting their growth.
Which Professions can Wear it?
Wearing Indra Neelam can be particularly beneficial for:
- Politicians: Strengthens leadership qualities
- Managers and Administrators: Improves organizational abilities
- Lawyers and Judges: Enhances analytical skills and sense of justice
- Scientists and Researchers: Boosts concentration and innovative thinking
- Writers and Poets: Stimulates creativity and expression
Quality Factors
- 4Cs (Cut, Color, Clarity, Carat Weight):
- Cut: The quality of the cut impacts the gemstone’s brilliance and overall appearance. A well-cut sapphire will reflect light beautifully, enhancing its visual appeal.
- Color: The most prized Sapphires exhibit a deep, vibrant blue color. The intensity of the blue hue significantly influences the stone’s value.
- Clarity: Sapphires with minimal inclusions or internal flaws are considered higher quality. Clearer sapphires are more valuable and desirable.
- Carat Weight: Larger pieces generally command higher prices. Carat weight contributes significantly to the gemstone’s overall value.
- Origin: Mining location is a very important factor. The following origins are noteworthy:
- Ceylon (Sri Lanka): Lighter blue to Royal Blue, Highly desirable in Astrology
- Burma (Myanmar): Deep, intense blue, often commanding medium prices
- Kashmir: Known for velvety blue color, highly valued in Trade
Prices of Ceylon,Bangkok and Kashmir Neelam
| Origin | Characteristics | Treatment | Price Range (Rs. per Carat) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ceylon (Sri Lanka) | Color is Light to medium blue, known for brilliance and clarity. Royal Blue Color is preferred. | Unheated & Untreated | Rs.10,000 to Rs.10,00,000+ |
| Burma (Myanmar) | Deep intense blue, Renowned for rich color and clarity is medium, translucent not transparent | Unheated & Untreated | Rs.3,000 to Rs.1,00,000+ |
| Kashmir | Velvety blue with a unique, deep hue, Very rare and highly prized, Very high clarity | Unheated & Untreated | Rs.2,00,000 -to Rs.20,00,000+ |
| Bangkok | Medium to deep blue. Generally good quality with fewer inclusions, Good value for money | Heated & Treated | Rs.2,000 to Rs.25,000+ |
- Ceylon (Sri Lanka): Known for its consistent quality and clarity, making it a popular choice for astrological purposes.
- Burma (Myanmar): Prized for its rich deep blue hue, and are also used astrologically for budget customers.
- Kashmir: Extremely rare and valuable, these sapphires have unique velvety blue color and are most expensive.
- Bangkok (Thailand): Offers good quality sapphires at more affordable prices. Known for a range of blue shades and good clarity.
These characteristics and price ranges can vary based on specific attributes of each gemstone, including cut, carat weight, and overall quality.
Chemical Properties
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | Al₂O₃ |
| Color | Blue, ranging from light blue to deep, velvety blue. |
| Hardness | 9 on Mohs scale |
| Specific Gravity | 3.95 – 4.03 |
| Refractive Index | 1.760 – 1.778 |
How to Wear?
| Factor | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Metal | Wear in Iron or Panchdhatu (Combination of 5 metals-Gold, Silver, Iron, Copper, Zinc) |
| Body Weight | Recommended Gemstone Weight is Roughly 1/10th of the body weight. A person weighing 50 kg can wear a 5-carat blue sapphire gemstone. |
| Day and Time | Saturday (in Krishna Paksha, waning moon period), during the first 3 hours after sunset |
| Nakshatra | Preferably in Pushya, Anuradha, or Uttara Bhadrapada |
| Zodiac Signs | Capricorn, Aquarius, Libra |
| Mantra | | ऊँ शं शनैश्चराये नमः | Aum Sham Shanaish-charaaye Namah | Chant 108 times |
| Right Way to Wear | On the middle finger of the working hand |
| Purification | Perform Pooja by dipping the Original blue sapphire in pure Panchamrit for 2-3 hours, chant the above mantra, focus on your intention and then wear it on your working hand. |
Side Effects of Blue Sapphire
While it can bring numerous benefits, it’s essential to be aware of potential side effects:
- If not suited, wearers may experience increased stress or anxiety, leading to disillusion
- It may intensify Saturn’s effects, leading to delays or obstacles initially
- Some individuals might feel a sense of heaviness or lethargy
- In rare cases, it could lead to financial losses or relationship issues if not suited
It’s crucial to consult with a qualified astrologer before wearing it to ensure it’s suitable for your birth chart. Proper guidance can help maximize the benefits while minimizing potential negative effects. Remember, the gem should be natural nilam, untreated and unheated, and of high quality to harness its full potential for your benefits.