Sapphire, the captivating birthstone of September, has held a place of prominence in human history and culture for millennia. Revered for its stunning beauty, exceptional durability, and symbolic significance, this precious gemstone continues to enchant and inspire. Traditionally known for its rich blue hues, sapphire actually encompasses a remarkable spectrum of colors, each with its own unique appeal. This article delves into the fascinating world of sapphire, exploring its history, geological origins, gemological properties, cultural meanings, and practical care.
History and Lore
The story of sapphire is interwoven with tales of royalty, spirituality, and protection. Throughout history, sapphire has been associated with wisdom, faith, and nobility. Ancient Greeks wore sapphires when seeking guidance from the oracle, believing the stone aided in receiving accurate prophecies. Buddhists considered sapphire a sacred gem, believing it facilitated spiritual enlightenment, while Hindus utilized it during worship. Early Christian kings valued sapphires for their protective qualities, often incorporating them into ecclesiastical rings.
Sources suggest that ancient Hebrews may have believed the Ten Commandments were inscribed on tablets of sapphire, although modern historians now believe the blue gemstone referenced in biblical texts was more likely lapis lazuli. During the Medieval Ages, European lapidaries referred to blue corundum crystals as “sapphire,” derived from the Latin word for blue, sapphirus.
Sapphire’s association with royalty extends beyond religious figures. Kings throughout history wore sapphires as symbols of strength and wisdom. The stone’s enduring appeal is exemplified by its presence in significant historical jewelry, such as Princess Diana’s iconic sapphire engagement ring, now worn by Kate Middleton. Sapphires are also traditionally gifted to celebrate a 45th wedding anniversary, and a sapphire jubilee marks 65 years of reign, as seen with Queen Elizabeth II’s accession to the throne in 2017. Italian superstition even attributes medicinal properties to sapphires, believing they can alleviate eye problems and melancholy.
Geological Formation and Sources
Sapphire belongs to the corundum family, a crystalline form of aluminum oxide (α-Al2O3). Its characteristic colors arise from trace amounts of elements like iron, titanium, cobalt, lead, chromium, vanadium, magnesium, boron, and silicon within its chemical structure. The presence of titanium and iron, specifically, creates the classic blue hue. Notably, sapphire formation is inhibited by the presence of silicone, contributing to its relative rarity.
Historically, classical violet-blue sapphires originated from the Kashmir region of India, particularly between the late 19th and early 20th centuries. A sapphire from Kashmir set a world record price-per-carat in 2015, selling for $242,000 per carat, totaling over $6.74 million. Sri Lanka has also been a significant source of sapphires, particularly famed for its star sapphires, including the 1404.49-carat Star of Adam, the 563.4-carat Star of India, and the 182-carat Star of Bombay.
Australia was a major sapphire producer until the 1990s, when substantial deposits were discovered in Madagascar. Today, Madagascar is the world’s leading producer of sapphire gemstones. Sapphires are often found in association with other minerals, including ruby, zircon, biotite, muscovite, calcite, dravite, and quartz.
Gemological Properties
Sapphire is renowned for its exceptional hardness, registering a 9 on the Mohs scale. This makes it the third-hardest mineral, surpassed only by diamond (10) and moissanite (9.5). This remarkable durability contributes to its suitability for everyday wear and a variety of industrial applications.
While blue is the most recognized color, sapphires occur in a wide range of hues, including violet, purple, green, pink, yellow, grey, black, and even clear. Any corundum color other than blue (and red, which is classified as ruby) is considered a “fancy color” sapphire. The rarest and most prized of these fancy sapphires is the padparadscha, a pinkish-orange variety derived from the Sinhalese word for lotus flower. Some sapphires exhibit a unique color-changing ability, shifting between blue and purple depending on the light source.
Sapphires are commonly cut and polished into gemstones for use in jewelry. They are also synthesized in laboratories to create large crystal boules for industrial purposes, such as infrared optical components, durable windows, wristwatch crystals, and electronic wafers.
Here's a table summarizing key gemological properties:
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | α-Al2O3 |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 9 |
| Luster | Vitreous |
| Crystal System | Trigonal |
| Specific Gravity | 3.99 – 4.00 |
| Refractive Index | 1.762 – 1.778 |
| Colors | Blue, Violet, Purple, Green, Pink, Yellow, Orange, Grey, Black, Clear |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Throughout history, sapphire has been imbued with profound symbolic meaning. The name “sapphire” itself may originate from the Sanskrit word shanipriya, meaning “dear to Saturn,” reflecting an ancient connection to the planet and its associated energies. Across cultures, sapphire has symbolized wisdom, royalty, protection, and good fortune. Some believed the blue color of the sky was due to the stone’s connection to deities and creation myths.
Sapphires were thought to facilitate a connection to the spiritual world, activating the mind and stimulating the throat and third eye chakras, allowing access to deeper levels of consciousness. A traditional Hindu belief holds that sapphires bring favorable influence from the planet Saturn. In addition to its spiritual associations, sapphire was also considered an amulet against envy and harm, and a symbol of honesty and faithfulness.
Care and Cleaning
Due to its exceptional hardness, sapphire is a durable gemstone suitable for everyday wear. However, proper care is essential to maintain its brilliance. Sapphires can be cleaned using warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the stone’s surface. Ultrasonic cleaners are generally safe for untreated sapphires, but should be avoided for stones that have undergone fracture filling or other treatments. It is advisable to have sapphire jewelry professionally inspected and cleaned periodically to ensure its continued beauty and integrity. Heat treatment is a common and widely accepted practice to improve color and clarity, but other treatments, such as diffusion or fracture filling, should be disclosed as they can affect the gem’s value and care requirements.
Conclusion
Sapphire stands as a testament to the enduring allure of gemstones. From its ancient origins as a symbol of wisdom and royalty to its modern-day status as a beloved birthstone and jewelry staple, sapphire continues to captivate with its beauty, durability, and rich history. Its remarkable range of colors, coupled with its exceptional hardness, makes it a versatile and cherished gem for generations to come. The September birthstone remains a symbol of truth, sincerity, and enduring elegance.