What is Sapphire?

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About Sapphire:

The name SAPPHIRE is derived from the Latin word ‘Saphirus’ and the Greek word ‘Sapherios’ both the words mean blue.
The scientific name of sapphire is called corundum. It is made up of aluminium oxide (Al203) mineral.
Corundum comes in all types of colours like red, pink, yellow, orange and violet.
Distribution:
- Sapphire is found all over the world –SriLanka, Burma,Thailand and Australia. Ceylon is still a top source for natural sapphire.
- In India the reserves/resources of corundum are found in association with kyanite and sillimanite in Assam, Meghalaya and Maharashtra.
- It occurs in syenites and ultrabasic rocks in Telangana.
- The total reserves/resources of sapphire was estimated at 450 kg, all of which is placed under ‘Remaining Resources’ category and is located in Jammu & Kashmir.
Uses:
- Sapphire has emerged as a versatile material useful to a range of industries in many varied applications including LEDs, optical and Radio Frequency Integrated Circuits (RFICS).

Why is Kashmir sapphire famous?

Kashmir sapphires are valued as significantly as they are because they contain only the best specimens.
These specimens are noted to have a superior cornflower blue tint with a sleepy quality to them.

Q1) What is Radio Frequency Integrated Circuits?

Radio Frequency Integrated Circuits (RFICs) are specialized integrated circuits (ICs) designed to work with radio frequency signals. They are used in various wireless communication systems, including cell phones, Wi-Fi devices, Bluetooth devices, satellite communication systems, and more.

Source: Within next year, Sapphire mines will be auctioned in scientific way to give boost to local economy: LG Manoj Sinha