Sapphire, the captivating birthstone of September, has been revered for millennia for its beauty, durability, and rich symbolism. Traditionally known for its stunning blue hues, sapphire actually encompasses a rainbow of colors, each with its own unique appeal. This gem, belonging to the corundum family, holds a prominent place in history, mythology, and modern jewelry, representing sincerity, truth, and nobility. This article will delve into the history, geological origins, gemological properties, and cultural significance of this remarkable gemstone.
History and Lore
The history of sapphire is deeply interwoven with tales of royalty, religion, and healing. The name “sapphire” originates from the Greek word “sappheiros,” reflecting the ancient Greeks’ fascination with the blue stone. In Greek mythology, sapphire was associated with the gods Zeus and Apollo, suggesting a connection to power and divine favor. Ancient Greeks and Romans believed the stone offered protection from harm and envy.
Throughout the Middle Ages, sapphire held a special place within the clergy, symbolizing Heaven and representing faith and piety. Medieval Europeans attributed healing properties to the gem, believing it could cure plague boils, eye diseases, and even act as an antidote to poison. These beliefs highlight the enduring power of gemstones in traditional medicine.
Ancient Persians held a particularly striking belief about sapphire, positing that the earth rested upon a giant sapphire, which was responsible for the blue color of the sky. This illustrates the stone’s association with the cosmos and the fundamental elements of the world. Further demonstrating its historical importance, some accounts suggest the Ten Commandments were inscribed on tablets of sapphire, emphasizing its perceived strength and enduring nature.
More recently, notable sapphires have captured public imagination. The Rockefeller Sapphire, a 62.02-carat rectangular step-cut stone originating from Myanmar, is a prime example of a historically significant gem. Similarly, the 12-carat blue sapphire featured in Princess Diana’s and later Kate Middleton’s engagement ring has cemented the stone’s place in modern royal history.
Geological Formation and Sources
Sapphire is a variety of the mineral corundum, an aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃) crystal. Pure corundum is colorless, but the presence of trace elements like iron, titanium, and chromium imparts the diverse range of colors seen in sapphires. Red corundum is classified as ruby, a separate and equally prized gemstone.
Historically significant sources of sapphire include Kashmir, Myanmar (formerly Burma), and Sri Lanka. These regions were renowned for producing exceptional quality sapphires for centuries. However, significant quantities have also been discovered in Australia, Thailand, Cambodia, Madagascar, and even the United States, specifically in Montana.
The formation of sapphire requires specific geological conditions, typically involving metamorphic or igneous processes. Sapphires often form in alluvial deposits, where they have been eroded from their original host rocks and carried by water.
Gemological Properties
Sapphires are highly valued for their exceptional hardness and durability. Ranking nine on the Mohs scale of hardness, they are second only to diamonds in resistance to scratching. This makes them ideal for everyday wear in jewelry.
While blue is the most recognizable sapphire color, these gems occur in a wide spectrum, including orange, yellow, green, pink, and purple. Sapphires exhibiting colors other than blue are often referred to as “fancy colored” sapphires. The color is determined by the trace elements present during formation, with variations in hue, tone, and saturation influencing the gem’s value.
A high-quality 1-carat blue sapphire can range in price from $3000 to $5000, though prices fluctuate based on color intensity, clarity, and cut. Sapphires are evaluated based on these three factors, along with carat weight.
Sapphires are part of the “Big Three” of colored gemstones, alongside rubies and emeralds, signifying their importance in the gem world. The chemical formula for sapphire is Al₂O₃, and its crystal system is trigonal.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | Al₂O₃ |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 9 |
| Crystal System | Trigonal |
| Specific Gravity | 3.99 - 4.00 |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Throughout history, sapphire has been imbued with symbolic meaning. It has traditionally represented sincerity, truth, faithfulness, and nobility. These associations have contributed to its popularity as a gemstone for engagement rings and other significant jewelry pieces.
Beyond its symbolic meaning, sapphire has been attributed with metaphysical properties. Buddhists believed sapphires promoted inner peace, while in Islamic tradition, sapphires were among the precious stones adorning the seven heavens. Medieval beliefs extended to the stone’s purported healing powers, as previously mentioned.
The diverse colors of sapphire also carry their own symbolic weight. Blue sapphires are associated with tranquility and wisdom, pink sapphires with romance and compassion, yellow sapphires with joy and optimism, and green sapphires with renewal and growth.
Care and Cleaning
Sapphires are durable gemstones, but proper care is essential to maintain their brilliance. Due to their hardness, sapphires are well-suited for everyday wear. However, they can still be scratched by harder materials like diamonds.
Cleaning sapphires is generally straightforward. Warm, soapy water is a safe and effective method for removing dirt and grime. Ultrasonic and steam cleaners are typically safe for untreated, heat-treated, and lattice diffusion-treated stones. However, fracture-filled or dyed sapphires should only be cleaned with a damp cloth to avoid damaging the treatment.
Common treatments are often applied to enhance the color and clarity of sapphires. These treatments can include heat treatment, lattice diffusion, and fracture filling. Understanding the type of treatment a sapphire has undergone is important for proper care and maintenance.
Conclusion
Sapphire, September’s magnificent birthstone, stands as a testament to the enduring allure of gemstones. From its ancient origins steeped in mythology and royalty to its modern-day presence in cherished jewelry, sapphire continues to captivate and inspire. Its exceptional durability, diverse colors, and rich symbolism make it a truly remarkable gem, representing not only beauty but also sincerity, faithfulness, and the pursuit of truth. The sapphire’s legacy is one of celestial lore, historical significance, and enduring elegance, solidifying its place as a treasured gemstone for generations to come.