For millennia, the sapphire has captivated humanity with its rich hues and enduring strength. As the birthstone for September, this gemstone embodies sincerity, truth, and nobility – qualities cherished across cultures and throughout history. While most readily recognized in its classic deep blue, the sapphire presents a remarkable spectrum of colors, making it a versatile and highly prized gem. This article delves into the history, geological origins, gemological properties, symbolism, and care of the September birthstone, the sapphire.
History and Lore
The sapphire’s history is deeply interwoven with tales of royalty, religion, and healing. Its association with the elite dates back to ancient Greece and Rome, where blue sapphires were believed to offer protection from harm and envy. Ancient Persians held a particularly striking belief, positing that the earth rested upon a colossal sapphire, which imbued the sky with its characteristic blue color.
Throughout the Middle Ages, sapphire held a sacred place within the Christian church. Clerics wore sapphires, viewing the gem as a symbol of Heaven, representing faith and piety. Beyond its religious significance, medieval Europeans attributed healing powers to the stone, believing it could cure plague boils and alleviate eye diseases, even serving as an antidote to poison.
The sapphire’s allure continued into more recent centuries. The Ten Commandments are, according to lore, inscribed on tablets of sapphire, highlighting the gem’s association with divine law and unbreakable strength. In 1796, Napoleon Bonaparte gifted his fiancée with a sapphire engagement ring, demonstrating the stone’s romantic connotations. More recently, Princess Diana’s iconic 12-carat blue Ceylon sapphire engagement ring, chosen in 1981, cemented the sapphire’s status as a favored gemstone for engagements, challenging traditional preferences for diamonds. This choice, made directly from a jeweler’s catalog rather than a custom design, even sparked a shift in royal tradition, making such gems more accessible to the public.
Geological Formation and Sources
Sapphires are a variety of the mineral corundum, composed of aluminum oxide. The diverse colors of sapphire arise from trace elements within the corundum’s crystal structure. Titanium and iron are responsible for the classic blue hues, while other elements like vanadium, chromium, and magnesium create the spectrum of “fancy” sapphires – pink, yellow, green, violet, and even colorless. A particularly rare and sought-after variety is the Padparadscha sapphire, exhibiting a delicate pink-orange salmon color. When chromium is present in high concentrations, the resulting gemstone is classified as a ruby, rather than a sapphire.
These gemstones are not formed in magma, but rather in metamorphic and igneous rocks. Major sources of sapphires include Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, and Australia. Notably, sapphires are also mined in the United States, specifically in Montana.
Gemological Properties
Sapphires are renowned for their exceptional durability, ranking a 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness – second only to diamonds. This makes them an excellent choice for everyday wear, particularly in engagement rings and other frequently worn jewelry.
Here's a summary of key gemological properties:
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| Mineral | Corundum (Al₂O₃) |
| Hardness | 9 on the Mohs scale |
| Classic Color | Deep “royal” blue |
| Other Hues | Pink, yellow, green, violet, black, color-change |
| Major Sources | Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Myanmar, Thailand, Australia, Montana (USA) |
Some sapphires exhibit a unique phenomenon known as color-change, shifting hues depending on the light source – incandescent versus daylight – due to the presence of vanadium and specific absorption and refraction properties.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Throughout history, the sapphire has been imbued with rich symbolism. Traditionally, it represents sincerity, truth, faithfulness, and nobility. Beyond these core values, different cultures have attributed additional meanings to the stone. Buddhists believed sapphires promoted inner peace, while in Islam, sapphires were associated with the seven heavens.
The sapphire’s deep blue color is often linked to the sky and sea, evoking feelings of tranquility, wisdom, and spiritual enlightenment. It is considered a stone of protection, fostering clarity of thought and enhancing intuition.
Care and Cleaning
Due to its exceptional hardness, sapphire is a relatively easy gemstone to care for. Regular cleaning can be performed with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these could potentially damage the stone’s surface. Ultrasonic cleaners are generally safe for sapphires, but caution should be exercised with stones that have been fracture-filled. Given its durability, sapphire is well-suited for daily wear, maintaining its brilliance and beauty for generations.
Conclusion
The sapphire stands as a testament to nature’s artistry and enduring beauty. From its ancient origins steeped in mythology and religious significance to its modern-day popularity as a symbol of love and commitment, the September birthstone continues to captivate and inspire. Its remarkable durability, coupled with its stunning array of colors, ensures its place as a treasured gemstone for centuries to come. Whether admired for its historical importance, its scientific properties, or its mystical qualities, the sapphire remains a timeless and beautiful gemstone in the world of fine jewelry.