Khooni Neelam: Gemstone and Jewelry

Khooni Neelam, also known as the "Blood Sapphire", is a rare and valuable gemstone found in the mines of Jammu and Kashmir in Northern India. This beautiful gemstone is known for its stunning deep blue color, and is highly prized for its rarity and beauty. Khooni Neelam is a type of sapphire, and is one of the most sought after gemstones in the world. In this article, we will explore the unique properties of Khooni Neelam, its history, and the ways in which it is used in jewelry.

Properties of Khooni Neelam:  

Khooni Neelam is a type of blue sapphire, and has a deep, royal blue color. It is formed by a combination of aluminum, oxygen, and iron, and has a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale – making it one of the hardest gemstones in the world. Khooni Neelam gets its name from the fact that the mines in which it is found are known to be quite dangerous, and some workers have been killed in accidents that occurred while mining for the gemstone.

The value of Khooni Neelam is determined by a number of factors, including its color, clarity, and cut. The most desirable Khooni Neelam stones have a deep, rich blue color, with few or no inclusions – small imperfections or fractures within the stone. The cut of the stone is also important, as it can affect how the stone reflects light and appears to the eye.

History of Khooni Neelam:  

The history of Khooni Neelam dates back thousands of years, and the gemstone has been highly prized throughout history for its beauty and rarity. In ancient India, sapphires were believed to have magical powers, and were thought to protect the wearer from harm and bring good fortune. They were also used as offerings to the gods, and were often included in the jewelry of royalty and nobility.

The Kashmir region of India has long been known for its sapphires, including Khooni Neelam. The gemstone was first discovered in the early 20th century by British gem traders, who were struck by the deep blue color and exceptional clarity of the stones. It soon became one of the most sought-after gemstones in the world, and was prized for its rarity and beauty.

As the demand for Khooni Neelam increased, so too did the price. In the 1980s, a single Khooni Neelam stone sold for $135,000 – the highest price ever paid for a gemstone at the time. Today, Khooni Neelam remains one of the most valuable gemstones in the world, and is sought after by collectors and jewelry enthusiasts alike.

Uses of Khooni Neelam: 

Khooni Neelam is primarily used in jewelry, and is a popular choice for engagement rings, necklaces, and earrings. The gemstone's deep blue color makes it a striking and elegant choice for both formal and casual attire, and it is often paired with diamonds or other gemstones to create a truly spectacular piece of jewelry. In India, Khooni Neelam is also used in traditional jewelry designs, and is often set in gold or silver. It is a popular choice for bridal jewelry, and is considered to be a symbol of wealth and power.

The gemstone is also believed to have spiritual properties, and is said to enhance intuition, promote mental clarity, and protect the wearer from harm. One of the most famous examples of Khooni Neelam jewelry is the "Neelanjali" necklace, which was sold at auction in 2014 for $3.2 million. The necklace features a stunning Khooni Neelam stone set in a diamond pendant, and is regarded as one of the most beautiful pieces of jewelry ever created.

Khooni Neelam is a rare and beautiful gemstone that has been prized for thousands of years for its deep blue color and exceptional clarity. This valuable gemstone has played an important role in the jewelry traditions of India, and is regarded as a symbol of wealth, power, and spirituality. Whether set in a stunning necklace or a simple pair of earrings, Khooni Neelam is a truly remarkable gemstone that continues to captivate and inspire people around the world.