Sapphires come in a range of yellows, pinks, and greens, along with the more well known blue variety. The deep blue sapphires were, and to some extent still are, deemed holy: popes, cardinals, and bishops have worn them since the middle ages. They are known as jewels of chastity.

At one time, sapphires were thought to exude heavenly rays that had the power to kill all poisonous creatures.

the Persians though that the Earth rested on a giant sapphire and that the blue of the heavens was it's reflection.