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Sapphire (via Greek sapphiros) , (ancient greek hyacinthos) refers to gem varieties of the mineral corundum, an aluminium oxide (Al2O3), when it is a color other than red (ruby) or pinkish-orange (padparadscha). Sapphire can be found naturally, or manufactured in large crystal boules. Because of its remarkable hardness, sapphire is used in many applications, including infrared optical components, watch crystals, high-durability windows, and wafers for the deposition of semiconductors, such as GaN nanorods and blue LEDs. The mineral corundum consists of pure aluminium oxide. Trace amounts of other elements such as iron, titanium, or chromium can give corundum blue, yellow, pink, purple, orange, or greenish color. Sapphire includes any gemstone-quality varieties of the mineral corundum except the fully saturated red variety, which is instead known as the ruby, and the pinkish-orange variety known as padparadscha. Sapphire is one of the two gem varieties of the species corundum. Although blue is the best known hue, the gem occurs in virtually every spectral hue excepting red; red corundum is ruby. Sapphire may also be colorless, and it also occurs in the non-spectral shades gray and black. The cost of sapphire gems varies depending on their color, clarity, size, cut, and overall quality as well as geographic origin. Significant sapphire deposits are found in Eastern Australia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, East Africa and in the United States at various locations (Gem Mountain) and in the Missouri River near Helena, Montana.[1] Sapphire and rubies are often found together in the same area, but one gem is usually more abundant.[2]
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