Are there any myths or legends about sapphire?

Answer 1

Some myths are that a Pharaoh ate one.

According to Greek myth amethyst was capable of protecting one from drunkenness and hangovers. The name itself literally means "not drunk." The prefix "a" in Greek means no and the verb "methustos" means "To Drink."

It is not uncommon then to see various drinking vessels from antiquity either carved from whole amethyst or seeing gold and silver goblets studded with amethyst in order to take advantage of its supposed benefits.

It is ironic then that a stone meant to shield one from the deleterious effects of alcohol is used by the organization Alcoholics Anonymous as a symbol of sobriety and a reminder to abstain from alcohol.

Answer 2

Yes, there are myths and legends surrounding sapphires in various cultures. In ancient Persia, it was believed that the Earth rested on a giant sapphire, giving the sky its blue color. Sapphires were also associated with wisdom, purity, and protection in many other cultures throughout history.

Answer 3

The sapphire is a stone that, like many precious stones, holds many virtues in folklore and superstition. There are no myths that I know that pertain directly to the gem. The gem was said to have been featured on the breastplate of the High Priest Aaron. The breastplate is a religious artifact which has twelve stones set in it each representing a tribe of Israel as well as the signs of the signs of the zodiac. The stones where set in an array of three wide and four high the sapphire being the second stone in the second row. George Kunz associates the gem with the Apostle Paul in his work The Curious Lore of Precious Stones. The ancient Persians believe that the world rested upon a giant sapphire and that its light reflecting was what gave the sky its color. The sapphire has been featured in many superstitions including it having a strong affinity with the eyes. I should mention that the properties which sapphires are described to have are mostly medicinal or amuletic which is quite frequent in the lore of precious gem. As stated above the gem is strongly associated with the eyes and was commonly used to cure ailments which afflicted them. A potion made with powdered sapphire was said to help those who were stung by a scorpion, had intestinal ulcerations and growth in the eyes. The gem was also endowed with the ability to protect the eyes of those who gazed intently into the gem from all harm. The gem could apparently give the body the strength to remove foreign particles, like sand or dirt, from the eyes. The jewel was also praised by witches and necromancers for it was said that it gave them influence over spirits and the clarity of mind to understand the prophecies of oracles. On the other end of the spectrum the stone was used to ward evil, the evil eye and witchcraft. The sapphire in general supposedly lent beneficiary protection and attributes to its wearer. It was commonly worn to protect against hunger and envy. It gains the ability to impart various good fortunes like the command of attention, good horses, victory, wisdom, good luck and divine favor from the claims of various sources. The sapphire was also used to divine a woman's faithfulness as it is said that the stone wouldn't shine if worn by a wicked person. The trial was called the "Saphire Merveilleux." Of course the trail always had a predetermined outcome. If the accused was to be found innocent than the trial would be conducted in the day when there was enough light to give the gem shine whilst if the accused was to be guilty the trial would be preformed at night with only lanterns for a light sources, robbing the stone of the light to give it its shine. The sapphire is a powerful stone which is shrouded in folklore and superstition possibly stemming from our fascination with the beautiful gem.