The modern author Marshall disagrees with Pliny on how often the sapphire was used, and what shades were used. Marshall claims that the sapphire was used much less often than Pliny seems to have thought. It is important to remember that Marshall's conclusions about sapphires are drawn from literary evidence and surviving artifacts, while Pliny's conclusions are drawn from his own reading or observation. It is best to take both views into consideration, since there is evidence to support both. Today sapphires are a very popular stone, so popular that they are now being made in laboratories to be sold.
Natural sapphires are rather expensive and range in color from dark navy to sky blue.
The picture below is of cut sapphires of different shapes. These sapphires are a rich blue color, which may have been found in Roman times.