Sapphire, the spectacular birthstone of September, has captivated humanity for millennia with its rich hues and enduring beauty. Traditionally associated with royalty, romance, and fidelity, this gemstone holds a prominent place in history, lore, and the modern jewelry market. While most commonly recognized for its classic blue shades, sapphire encompasses a rainbow of colors, each with its own unique appeal. This article will delve into the history, geological origins, gemological properties, and symbolism of the September birthstone, drawing exclusively from available sources.
History and Lore
The association of sapphire with September dates back centuries, with roots in ancient civilizations. As early as ancient Greece, sapphire was worn by those seeking guidance from the oracle, believed to provide clarity and insight. Similarly, Buddhists considered sapphire a stone of spiritual enlightenment, while Hindus incorporated it into their worship practices. The gemstone’s celestial blue color led ancient Greeks and Romans to believe it offered protection from harm and envy.
Throughout the Middle Ages, sapphire held particular significance for religious figures. Clerics wore sapphires, believing the gemstone symbolized Heaven and attracted divine favor and wise judgment. A popular, though potentially inaccurate, belief held that the Ten Commandments were inscribed on tablets of sapphire, though some historians suggest the biblical references may actually pertain to lapis lazuli.
The stone’s reputation for healing powers was also prevalent in medieval Europe, where it was thought to cure plague boils and alleviate eye diseases, and even act as an antidote to poison. These beliefs, while not scientifically substantiated, demonstrate the high esteem in which sapphire was held.
The standardization of birthstone lists in the early 20th century solidified sapphire’s position as the September birthstone, a tradition that continues to this day. However, the concept of birthstones has evolved, with modern lists incorporating additional gems like spinel, citrine, and tanzanite, allowing individuals to choose stones that resonate with them personally.
Geological Formation and Sources
Sapphire is a variety of corundum, an aluminum oxide with the chemical formula Al2O3. Its crystalline structure is hexagonal, possessing four axes, three of equal length intersecting at 60-degree angles, and one of unequal length intersecting at a right angle. Ruby, the red variety of corundum, shares identical physical and optical properties with sapphire, differing only in color. Any corundum that isn’t red is classified as sapphire.
Historically, classical violet-blue sapphires originated from the Kashmir region of India, particularly between the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Sapphires from Kashmir are exceptionally rare and highly prized, with a record price-per-carat of $242,000 achieved at auction in 2015 for a single gemstone.
Sri Lanka has also been a significant source of sapphires, notably producing famous star sapphires such as the 1404.49-carat Star of Adam, the 563.4-carat Star of India, and the 182-carat Star of Bombay. Australia was a prominent source until the 1990s, when substantial deposits were discovered in Madagascar. Currently, Madagascar leads the world in sapphire production. Cornflower blue sapphires, considered the most expensive variety, are particularly associated with Kashmir.
Gemological Properties
Sapphires are renowned for their exceptional durability, scoring a 9 out of 10 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness. This makes them an excellent choice for everyday wear, including engagement rings. While blue is the most recognizable color, sapphires occur in a wide spectrum, including pink, yellow, orange, green, peach, and violet. The rare pink-orange corundum known as Padparadscha, resembling a tropical sunset, is particularly sought after.
The value of sapphires is significantly influenced by color. Cornflower blue sapphires are the most expensive due to their rarity and desirable hue. Beyond color, clarity, cut, and carat weight also contribute to a sapphire’s overall value. Sapphire and ruby share all physical and optical properties except for color. If corundum is pink, the United States Federal Trade Commission requires it to be sold as a sapphire, effectively eliminating “pink rubies” from the gem trade by legal definition.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Throughout history, sapphire has been imbued with rich symbolism. It is traditionally associated with sincerity, truth, faithfulness, and nobility. These qualities contributed to its popularity among royalty and the clergy, who often adorned themselves with the gemstone. Sapphire is also said to symbolize the soul and has long been linked to romance.
Ancient Persians believed the earth rested on a giant sapphire, which was responsible for the sky’s blue color. Medieval Europeans attributed healing properties to the stone, believing it could cure various ailments. While these beliefs are not scientifically proven, they highlight the cultural significance and perceived power of sapphire.
Care and Cleaning
Due to its exceptional hardness, sapphire is a durable gemstone suitable for daily 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 caution should be exercised with stones that have been fracture-filled or heat-treated. Regular cleaning will help preserve the sapphire’s luster and ensure its enduring beauty.
Conclusion
Sapphire, the September birthstone, stands as a testament to the enduring allure of gemstones. From its ancient origins and association with royalty and spirituality to its exceptional durability and captivating colors, sapphire continues to fascinate and inspire. Its rich history, combined with its remarkable gemological properties, solidifies its position as one of the world’s most cherished and sought-after gemstones. The celestial blue hues and vibrant range of colors ensure that sapphire will remain a symbol of beauty, truth, and enduring elegance for generations to come.