For millennia, the sapphire has captivated humanity with its rich hues and enduring beauty. As the birthstone for September, this gemstone embodies sincerity, faithfulness, and nobility, qualities that have cemented its place in history, lore, and modern jewelry. While most readily recognized in its classic blue form, the sapphire presents a remarkable spectrum of colors, each with its own unique appeal and significance. This article will delve into the history, geological origins, gemological properties, symbolism, and care of the September birthstone, the sapphire.
History and Lore
The history of the sapphire is deeply interwoven with the beliefs and traditions of ancient civilizations. The very name “sapphire” originates from the Greek word sappheiros, reflecting the gem’s long-held association with the color blue. Ancient Greeks and Romans believed the blue sapphire offered protection from harm and envy. Within the elite circles of these empires, sapphires were prized possessions, symbolizing status and safeguarding their wearers.
Medieval Europeans attributed healing powers to the sapphire, believing it could cure plague boils and alleviate eye ailments. It was also considered an antidote to poison, highlighting the gem’s perceived protective qualities. For the clergy of the Middle Ages, the sapphire held a particularly sacred significance, representing Heaven and embodying divine wisdom. This association further elevated the sapphire’s status, adorning religious garments and artifacts.
Ancient Persian mythology took this reverence even further, positing that the earth rested upon a colossal sapphire, responsible for the sky’s azure hue. This belief underscores the sapphire’s connection to the cosmos and its perceived influence over the natural world. Even the Ten Commandments, according to ancient Hebrew tradition, were inscribed upon tablets of sapphire, though modern historians suggest lapis lazuli may have been the actual gemstone referenced.
The sapphire’s association with royalty continued into more recent history. In 1796, Napoleon Bonaparte gifted his fiancée with a sapphire engagement ring, a gesture that foreshadowed the gem’s enduring popularity as a symbol of love and commitment. However, it was the engagement of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer in 1981 that truly cemented the sapphire’s place in modern royal lore. Diana’s choice of a 12-carat blue Ceylon sapphire ring, sourced from Garrard’s, challenged royal tradition and sparked a global fascination with the gemstone. This ring, later given by Prince William to Kate Middleton, continues to be a celebrated symbol of royal romance.
Geological Formation and Sources
Sapphires are a variety of the mineral corundum, an aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃) crystal. The presence of trace elements, such as iron and titanium, creates the characteristic blue color. Other trace elements result in the “fancy” sapphires, displaying a rainbow of hues. These gemstones form in metamorphic and igneous rocks, requiring specific geological conditions of high temperature and pressure.
Historically, and continuing today, Kashmir, Burma (Myanmar), and Sri Lanka are considered the most renowned sources of blue sapphires. These regions produce stones with exceptional color saturation and clarity. Sapphires have also been mined in Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, and India, each location yielding stones with unique characteristics. The specific geological environment of each location influences the color, clarity, and overall quality of the sapphires found there.
Gemological Properties
Sapphires are renowned for their exceptional durability, ranking a 9 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness, second only to diamonds. This hardness makes them an ideal choice for everyday wear, including engagement rings and other frequently worn jewelry.
While blue is the most iconic sapphire color, these gemstones occur in nearly every hue except red – red corundum is classified as ruby. Fancy sapphires encompass a wide range of colors, including pink, yellow, orange, green, and violet. The value of a sapphire is significantly influenced by its color, clarity, cut, and carat weight. The most valuable blue sapphires exhibit a concentrated, consistent hue under all lighting conditions.
Sapphires can also exhibit a phenomenon known as asterism, displaying a six-rayed star when cut as a cabochon. This effect is caused by the presence of microscopic inclusions of rutile needles aligned along the crystal’s axes.
A high-quality 1-carat blue sapphire can range in price from $3000 to $5000, though prices fluctuate based on market conditions and the specific characteristics of the stone. Water Sapphire, also known as Iolite, offers a more affordable alternative, displaying shifting shades of violet-blue.
Here's a table summarizing key gemological properties:
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Mineral | Corundum (Al₂O₃) |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 9 |
| Luster | Vitreous |
| Crystal System | Trigonal |
| Specific Gravity | 3.99 – 4.00 |
| Refractive Index | 1.762 – 1.778 |
| Color | Blue, Pink, Yellow, Green, Orange, Violet, etc. |
| Asterism | Possible |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Throughout history, sapphires have been imbued with profound symbolism. Traditionally, the September birthstone represents sincerity, truth, faithfulness, and nobility. These qualities have made it a favored gemstone among royalty and those seeking to embody virtuous characteristics.
Sapphires are considered protective gemstones, believed to shield the wearer from both physical harm and negative intentions. They are also associated with loyalty and dignity, further reinforcing their connection to high moral principles. In some cultures, blue sapphires are considered highly spiritual stones, worn by priests and those seeking enlightenment.
Buddhists believe sapphires promote inner peace, while in Islamic tradition, the seven heavens are said to shine with sapphires. These beliefs highlight the sapphire’s association with spiritual realms and its perceived ability to foster tranquility and wisdom.
Care and Cleaning
The exceptional durability of sapphires makes them well-suited for everyday wear. However, proper care is essential to maintain their brilliance and luster. Sapphires can be cleaned using warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the gemstone’s surface.
While highly resistant to scratching, sapphires can still be chipped or fractured with significant impact. It is advisable to remove sapphire jewelry before engaging in strenuous activities or when handling abrasive materials. Regular professional cleaning and inspection can help ensure the longevity and beauty of your sapphire jewelry.
Conclusion
The sapphire, September’s birthstone, is a gemstone of enduring beauty, rich history, and profound symbolism. From its ancient origins as a symbol of protection and divine favor to its modern-day status as a cherished gemstone in engagement rings and fine jewelry, the sapphire continues to captivate and inspire. Its exceptional durability, coupled with its stunning array of colors, makes it a truly remarkable and versatile gem, worthy of its place among the world’s most prized treasures.