September’s birthstone, the sapphire, has captivated humanity for millennia with its rich hues and enduring symbolism. Traditionally known for its deep blue coloration, the sapphire encompasses a spectrum of colors, each possessing unique allure and significance. This gemstone, celebrated for its remarkable hardness and historical association with royalty, continues to be a popular choice for jewelry, particularly engagement rings and heirloom pieces. This article will delve into the history, geological origins, gemological properties, and cultural significance of the September birthstone.
History and Lore
The sapphire boasts a history steeped in lore and reverence, stretching back to ancient civilizations. Ancient Greeks and Romans believed the blue sapphire offered protection from harm and envy. Within the elite circles of these societies, sapphires were not merely adornments but safeguards against misfortune. During the Middle Ages, sapphire held a sacred place within the clergy, symbolizing Heaven and representing faith and piety. Medieval Europeans attributed healing powers to the stone, believing it could cure plague boils and alleviate eye ailments, even serving as an antidote to poison.
Ancient Persian folklore held a particularly grand belief: the earth rested upon a giant sapphire, which was responsible for the blue color of the sky. This belief underscores the profound connection ancient cultures felt with the gemstone and its perceived influence on the natural world. The sapphire’s association with the Ten Commandments, with some believing the tablets were crafted from sapphire, further highlights its historical importance and perceived unbreakable strength.
More recently, sapphires have become synonymous with romance and enduring commitment. Princess Diana’s iconic oval blue sapphire engagement ring, now worn by Catherine, Duchess of Kate, serves as a modern symbol of love and legacy. Empress Joséphine’s “Toi et Moi” ring, featuring a sapphire and diamond, further cemented the sapphire’s place in royal and romantic history.
Geological Formation and Sources
Sapphires are a variety of the mineral corundum, composed of aluminum oxide. The vibrant colors of sapphires, including the prized blue, arise from trace elements within the crystal structure. Titanium and iron are responsible for the classic blue hues, while other elements create the “fancy” sapphires – pink, purple, yellow, green, and even colorless. When corundum displays a deep red color due to chromium, it is classified as a ruby, though technically a red sapphire.
While specific mining locations are not extensively detailed in the provided sources, the enduring appeal of sapphires suggests widespread availability throughout history. The sources do not specify particular regions, but the historical use across various cultures implies sourcing from diverse geographical locations.
Gemological Properties
Sapphires are renowned for their exceptional durability, ranking nine on the Mohs scale of hardness. This makes them exceptionally well-suited for everyday wear, resisting scratches and maintaining their brilliance. Only diamonds, with a Mohs hardness of ten, surpass sapphires in terms of resistance to abrasion.
The color of a sapphire significantly impacts its value, with high-quality blue sapphires, exhibiting a vivid and deep hue, commanding the highest prices. A 1-carat blue sapphire can range in price from $3000 to $5000, though prices fluctuate based on quality and market conditions. However, the “fancy” sapphires – those displaying colors other than blue – are also gaining popularity and possess unique aesthetic appeal. These variations in color are a result of different trace elements incorporated into the gem’s crystal structure.
Interestingly, some sapphires exhibit a chameleon-like quality, changing color depending on the type of light they are exposed to. This phenomenon, caused by high vanadium content and the gem’s absorption and refraction properties, adds another layer of intrigue to this already fascinating gemstone.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Throughout history, the sapphire has been imbued with profound symbolism. Traditionally, it represents sincerity, truth, faithfulness, and nobility. These qualities have contributed to its long-standing association with royalty and spiritual leaders.
Beyond its symbolic meaning, sapphires have been attributed with metaphysical properties. Ancient beliefs suggested sapphires possessed healing powers, capable of curing various ailments. More modern interpretations associate sapphires with promoting inner peace, wisdom, and mental clarity. In Buddhist traditions, sapphires are believed to foster inner peace, while in Islamic culture, sapphires are associated with the seven heavens.
Care and Cleaning
The sapphire’s exceptional hardness makes it a practical choice for jewelry worn daily. However, proper care is essential to maintain its brilliance. Sapphires are durable but can still be scratched by harder materials, such as diamonds. Regular cleaning with warm, soapy water and a soft brush is recommended to remove dirt and oils. Ultrasonic cleaners are generally safe for untreated sapphires, but caution should be exercised with treated stones.
Some sapphires undergo common treatments to enhance their color or clarity. While these treatments are generally accepted within the industry, it’s important to be aware of them when cleaning and caring for the gemstone.
September Birthstone Variations
While sapphire is the modern and traditional birthstone for September, a fascinating array of alternative birthstones are associated with the month. These include agate, moonstone, chrysolite (peridot), zircon, and sardonyx, depending on the cultural or astrological system. Astrological associations link carnelian, jade, jasper, moss agate, and blue sapphire to the Virgo zodiac sign (August 24 – September 22), while chrysolite, lapis lazuli, opal, and peridot are associated with Libra (September 23 – October 23). Talismatic associations assign zircon to Virgo and agate to Libra, while planetary associations link Mercury/Citrine to Virgo and Venus/Blue Sapphire to Libra.
Conclusion
The sapphire remains a captivating gemstone, embodying a rich history, enduring symbolism, and exceptional beauty. From its ancient origins as a protective talisman to its modern role as a symbol of love and commitment, the sapphire continues to enchant and inspire. Its remarkable hardness, coupled with its vibrant colors, makes it a timeless treasure, worthy of its status as the September birthstone. The sapphire’s legacy is one of royalty, romance, and enduring allure, ensuring its continued prominence in the world of fine jewelry for generations to come.