In Vedic astrology the planet Saturn is called SHANI. In Sanskrit Shani comes from SANISCHARA, which means, "slow mover". From Shani we get the word "shun", which means to ignore, or lose awareness of something. Thus, Saturn represents a loss of awareness, or ignorance. This loss of awareness can also mean the diminishing awareness of the material world of manifestation.

Here Saturn indicates the ascetic, rich with inner spirituality, and lost to this material plane of existence. Saturn is a malefic graha. He rules over the two sidereal signs of Capricorn and Aquarius. He is exalted in Libra, and fallen in the opposite sign of Aries.

Saturn is a karaka, or indicator, of longevity, misery, sorrow, old age and death, discipline, restriction, responsibility, delays, ambition, leadership and authority, humility, integrity, wisdom born of experience. Saturn also indicates asceticism, denial, non-attachment, spirituality, hard work, organization, reality and time itself.

The blue sapphire is the gemstone of the planet Saturn and helps to overcome problems related to this planet.

Sometimes white sapphires, rubies and blue sapphires are found in the same mine and that is why there is a mixture of colors in the crystals of these gems. Ruby is harder than white sapphire and blue sapphire is harder than ruby. What distinguishes them from each other is their hardness. Blue sapphire is hardest. Blue sapphire crystals are found as twelve-sided prisms.

Some aspects of the Rituals for Wearing a Blue Sapphire
The weight should not be less than 4 rattikas. Weighing 5 carats is supposed to be auspicious. The gem should be flawless.
Saturn is a friend of Mercury and Venus. To add additional power to the ring, emerald and diamond could also be embedded in it. The back should be open to allow the gemstone to touch the skin.

Some aspects of the Medicinal Utility of the Blue Sapphire
Blue sapphire pishthi (paste) can be given for skin diseases, migraine, heartburn, nervous disorders, rheumatism, colic pains, lack of appetite and bloating of the stomach, among others.